Tanzania Launches $274 Million Oil Storage Project at Dar es Salaam Port

Tanzania has launched a $274 million (TZS 701.8 billion) project to build 15 new oil storage tanks at the Port of Dar es Salaam.

The expansion will increase fuel reception capacity by 35.9% and cut tanker waiting time from 22 days to seven days.

Officials say the project will… pic.twitter.com/mu0SCyXTBM

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Government officials said the project will expand the port’s capacity to store petroleum products, including diesel, petrol, and aviation fuel. The initiative is designed to support growing domestic demand and reinforce Tanzania’s role as a regional fuel distribution hub for East and Central Africa.

The Tanzania Ports Authority said the new tanks will significantly increase storage capacity at the Dar es Salaam port complex, one of the busiest maritime gateways in East Africa. The port handles a large share of fuel imports destined for Tanzania and landlocked neighboring countries, including Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Energy authorities said the project forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen petroleum infrastructure and stabilize fuel supply chains. Officials noted that improved storage capacity will help reduce supply disruptions and improve efficiency in the handling and distribution of petroleum imports.

Reuters reported that Tanzania’s government has been investing in major port and logistics infrastructure projects in recent years as part of wider efforts to modernize trade corridors and expand regional transport networks.

Dar es Salaam serves as a critical entry point for goods and fuel across East and Central Africa. Expanding petroleum storage facilities at the port is expected to support the movement of fuel to neighboring economies that depend on Tanzanian logistics routes for energy imports.

Across Africa, governments are increasing investment in energy infrastructure, including fuel storage and distribution facilities, to improve energy security and support industrial growth. Tanzania’s storage expansion reflects the continent’s broader push to strengthen energy supply chains and regional trade connectivity.

Officials said construction of the new storage tanks will proceed under Tanzania’s national infrastructure development program, with the project aimed at boosting the capacity and operational efficiency of the Port of Dar es Salaam.