Tanzania, April 8 -- Dodoma. The government faces mounting pressure to shield the economy from the effects of rising global fuel prices, with economic analysts urging strict spending restraint while the ruling party (CCM) pushes for the introduction of a targeted fuel subsidy to cushion citizens.

As Parliament resumes in Dodoma to debate the Prime Minister's budget estimates for the 2026/27 financial year, policymakers are weighing a mix of fiscal discipline and consumer relief measures amid sharp increases in pump prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Petrol is now retailing at Sh3,820 per litre, up sharply from Sh2,864 in March. Diesel has risen to Sh3,806 from Sh2,858, while kerosene costs Sh3,684, up from Sh2,93...