Despite government assurances that the country has sufficient fuel stocks, several petrol stations across Nairobi, Mombasa, and other parts of the country have reportedly closed or limited fuel sales, triggering panic among motorists.
Reports indicate that some stations have run dry, while others have imposed strict limits on the amount of fuel customers can purchase. In some cases, petrol prices have surged to as high as Ksh200 per litre, well above the regulated rates.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority) had earlier announced fuel prices on March 14, 2026, setting Super Petrol at Ksh178.28 per litre and Diesel at Ksh166.54. However, motorists say they are now paying significantly more in affected areas.
“We have had to queue for a while to find fuel. We usually purchase a litre at Ksh160, but they are now charging Ksh200,” one Nairobi motorist said.
The situation is reported to be worse in Mombasa and Kakamega, where several petrol stations have either closed or completely run out of fuel.
Retailers are blaming major oil marketers for supply disruptions, accusing them of hoarding fuel in anticipation of possible price changes.
Long queues have been witnessed in Mombasa as motorists scramble for the limited available fuel, with some stations rationing sales per customer.
“Finding fuel has become a big problem. You go to a petrol station and find fuel is very little and there are so many people queuing,” said a tuk-tuk operator in Mombasa.
Matatu operators in Kakamega also reported fuel shortages, saying they are forced to travel outside town centres to refuel.
Amid the crisis, the Treasury Cabinet Secretary told Parliament that the country has fuel stocks that can last about 16 days.
However, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said new fuel shipments have already arrived in Mombasa to stabilise supply throughout April, insisting there is no cause for alarm.
“In the month of April, we have already received our next consignment. There is no cause for alarm as we are dealing with the situation as it is,” he said.
Mwaura also maintained that fuel prices are expected to remain stable in the next review cycle scheduled for April 14, 2026.
The shortages have been linked by some reports to global supply concerns, including tensions affecting shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, though official confirmation of this link remains unclear.
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