Tanzania, May 13 -- Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's spending on imported household vehicles rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong demand for fuel-efficient cars as consumers respond to rising fuel costs and anticipated tax increases.

Data from the Bank of Tanzania show imports of motorcars for household use increased by 53.9 percent to Sh352.84 billion in March 2026, up from Sh229.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

The figure was also 77.8 percent higher than the Sh198.42 billion recorded in March 2024.

The figures, contained in the central bank's Statistical Bulletin for the quarter ending March 2026, point to growing demand for private vehicles despite mounting economic pressures linked to fuel prices and living ...