A fuel attendant prepares to refill a vehicle. /FILE
Rising fuel supply concerns are beginning to be felt across the country, with motorists and public transport operators reporting difficulties accessing petroleum products in several regions, even as the government maintains that national reserves remain stable.
The situation comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have heightened concerns over possible disruption along the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
In Nakuru, the situation is already reflected in higher transport costs, with matatu operators saying persistent fuel shortages have forced them to increase fares as they spend more time and resources sourcing fuel.
Passengers travelling from Nakuru to Nairobi and other major urban areas are now paying higher transport costs as matatu operators report fuel shortages they say have disrupted operations.
Operators say several fuel stations have run dry, forcing them to travel long distances in search of supplies.
“This is the fourth day our passengers are paying Sh600 to Nairobi. Normally, it’s Sh450,” said one operator.
Another operator acknowledged the burden placed on commuters, noting that while fare increases are unavoidable, they come at a time when many passengers are already struggling with the high cost of living.
“Sometimes you tell a passenger to add you more money, and they say they don't have extra cash. You're forced to foot the deficit, so we are asking the government to look into this. It's a big problem,” he said.
The reported shortages contrast with government assurances that the country has sufficient fuel reserves.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed claims of a crisis, maintaining that supply chains remain intact under the government-to-government import arrangement despite regional instability.
“The national government has put in place comprehensive strategies to ensure that there is enough fuel today, tomorrow, and in the future. Therefore, citizens should not be anxious,”
Wandayi said on March 13 during the launch of a last-mile electricity connectivity project at Tendeno Primary School in Kipkelion East.
In an earlier statement on March 3, he reiterated that Kenya had adequate petroleum stocks to meet both domestic and regional demand in the wake of the Middle East tensions.
Officials indicated in early April that super petrol stocks could last 16 days, while diesel reserves were projected to cover 19 days, with additional shipments expected to replenish supply.
However, motorists on the ground report a different experience. A driver travelling from Mwea to Eldoret said he was unable to refuel in Nyeri and Karatina due to widespread shortages.
“I have been lucky to find fuel here, so I want to fill my tank. I will have to put V-power, and you know V-power is a bit pricey compared to the normal fuel,” he said.
“So, we are beginning to feel pain at the fuel pump.”
Globally, oil markets remain on edge as tensions continue to escalate. As of April 7, prices have remained elevated amid uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as the main export route for oil from major producers including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran.
On Monday, Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the strait, warning of potential military action targeting key infrastructure if the deadline was not met.
By Tuesday, he had escalated his remarks, cautioning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless a deal is reached to restore maritime traffic through the chokepoint.
With few viable alternatives for oil exports, any prolonged disruption is likely to tighten global supply further, pushing prices higher and adding pressure on fuel-importing countries such as Kenya.
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