Bitumen Price in Tanzania Today

Last updated: 2026-10-03

AI-generated reference content for research only. Prices, volumes and figures are estimates; verify current market data and specifications before any trade.
本内容由 AI 生成,仅供研究参考。价格、产量等数据为估算值,交易前请核实最新行情与规格。

Bitumen Price in Tanzania Today

As of today, bitumen price in Tanzania ranges between TZS 1,950,000 and TZS 2,300,000 per metric ton (approximately USD 740–870/MT) for bulk 60/70 penetration grade delivered to Dar es Salaam. The price is driven primarily by CIF Dar es Salaam import costs, which currently sit at USD 620–720 per MT depending on origin (Iran, UAE, or Singapore), plus import duty, VAT, port charges, and inland transport that add roughly USD 120–150 per MT to the landed cost.

Current Bitumen Price Breakdown in Tanzania (Today)

The table below shows a typical cost structure for 1 metric ton of 60/70 bitumen landed in Dar es Salaam this week.

Cost ComponentAmount (USD/MT)Amount (TZS/MT)Notes
FOB origin (Iran/UAE)480 – 5401,270,000 – 1,430,000Varies by refinery & grade
Ocean freight + insurance90 – 130238,000 – 344,000Jebel Ali → Dar es Salaam
CIF Dar es Salaam570 – 6701,508,000 – 1,773,000Base import value
Import duty (0% for bitumen)00Bitumen is duty-exempt in TZ
VAT (18%)103 – 121272,000 – 320,000Applied on CIF + charges
Port & clearing charges25 – 3566,000 – 93,000TICTS, THC, documentation
Inland transport (Dar → Arusha/Mwanza)40 – 70106,000 – 185,000Distance-dependent
Total landed cost740 – 8701,958,000 – 2,300,000Delivered to upcountry site

Key insight: The 18% VAT is the single largest non-cargo cost, adding over TZS 270,000 per ton. Buyers who import under a VAT-deferred arrangement (common for registered contractors) can save this amount upfront.

Bitumen Price by Grade in Tanzania Today

Different grades command different prices. 60/70 is the most common for road construction in Tanzania, but 80/100 and PG 64-22 are also imported for specific projects.

GradePrice (TZS/MT)Price (USD/MT)Typical Use
60/70 penetration1,950,000 – 2,150,000740 – 815Highways, trunk roads
80/100 penetration1,880,000 – 2,050,000715 – 780Low-traffic roads, sealing
PG 64-222,100,000 – 2,300,000800 – 870Heavy-duty pavements
Cutback bitumen (MC-30)2,250,000 – 2,500,000855 – 950Prime coats, tack coats
Bitumen emulsion (CSS-1h)2,400,000 – 2,700,000910 – 1,025Cold mix, surface dressing

Note: Cutback and emulsion prices include additional processing and solvent costs, which is why they sit 10–20% above penetration-grade bitumen.

Price Comparison: Tanzania vs. Neighboring Markets

Tanzania is a net importer of bitumen, so its prices are closely tied to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda — but with distinct differences due to port efficiency, taxes, and logistics.

CountryPrice (USD/MT)Price (TZS/MT)Key Difference
Tanzania740 – 8701,950,000 – 2,300,00018% VAT, Dar port charges
Kenya720 – 8501,900,000 – 2,240,00016% VAT, Mombasa port
Uganda800 – 9502,110,000 – 2,500,000Landlocked, +transport
Rwanda850 – 1,0002,240,000 – 2,640,000Landlocked, +transport
Zambia880 – 1,0502,320,000 – 2,770,000Longer inland route

Takeaway: Tanzania is 3–5% cheaper than Kenya on a landed basis, but 15–20% cheaper than landlocked Uganda and Rwanda because it avoids cross-border trucking.

Factors Driving Bitumen Price Changes in Tanzania Today

Bitumen prices in Tanzania change weekly, sometimes daily, based on five main factors:

  • Global crude oil prices (Brent): Bitumen is a refinery byproduct. When Brent moves ±USD 5/barrel, bitumen prices in Tanzania shift ±USD 20–30/MT within 2–3 weeks.
  • Iranian supply & sanctions: Iran supplies ~40% of Tanzania's bitumen. Any tightening of sanctions or shipping delays can spike prices by USD 50–80/MT.
  • Exchange rate (USD/TZS): The shilling has depreciated ~8% year-on-year. A weaker TZS raises the local price of dollar-denominated imports.
  • Shipping freight rates: Container and breakbulk rates from Jebel Ali to Dar es Salaam currently sit at USD 90–130/MT, up ~12% from last quarter.
  • Seasonal demand: Road construction peaks June–October (dry season). Prices typically rise 5–10% in this window.

How to Get the Best Bitumen Price in Tanzania Today

Buyers can reduce their landed cost by 10–18% with these tactics:

1. Import directly instead of buying from local traders — saves TZS 150,000–250,000/MT in middleman margins.

2. Use VAT deferment if you are a registered contractor — saves 18% upfront (TZS ~350,000/MT).

3. Book breakbulk, not drums — bulk vessel shipments cost USD 60–80/MT less than drummed cargo.

4. Order in 500–1,000 MT lots — volume discounts of USD 15–25/MT are common.

5. Lock in CIF prices with a 30-day forward contract to hedge against crude volatility.

FAQ: Bitumen Price in Tanzania Today

Q1: What is the current bitumen price in Tanzania per ton?

A: Today, bulk 60/70 bitumen lands in Dar es Salaam at TZS 1,950,000–2,150,000 per MT (USD 740–815). Delivered upcountry, expect TZS 2,100,000–2,300,000 per MT.

Q2: Is bitumen cheaper in Tanzania or Kenya?

A: Tanzania is slightly cheaper — USD 740–870/MT vs. Kenya's USD 720–850/MT — but the difference is small. Tanzania's 18% VAT is higher than Kenya's 16%, but Dar es Salaam port charges are lower.

Q3: How much is 1 drum of bitumen in Tanzania?

A: A standard 180 kg drum of 60/70 bitumen costs TZS 380,000–430,000 (USD 145–165) today. Drummed bitumen carries a USD 60–80/MT premium over bulk.

Q4: Does Tanzania produce its own bitumen?

A: No. Tanzania has no domestic bitumen refinery and imports 100% of its supply, mainly from Iran, UAE, and Singapore. This makes local prices highly sensitive to global crude and freight rates.

Q5: How often do bitumen prices change in Tanzania?

A: Prices are reviewed weekly by major importers and can shift daily during crude oil volatility. A USD 5/barrel move in Brent typically translates to a TZS 50,000–75,000/MT change within 2–3 weeks.

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