DAR ES SALAAM, April 11 -- TO address the various challenges currently facing the world as a result of the conflict going on in the Middle East, news writers are facing a problem as to what words to use to convey to us that energy is costing more now, than, say, two months ago.

The words “oil”, “fuel” and “petroleum” seem to be used interchangeably. Her Excellency the President, for example, is reported in the Custodian (9 April, frontpage) as having ordered extensive cuts in her motorcades, a measure meant: “to mitigate the financial impact of the soaring ‘global fuel prices”. The government, in general was required to follow suit.

According to the writer: “this move is intend...