Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has accused oil marketers of “commercially opportunistic” fuel hoarding that is restricting supply in the market.
While addressing public fears about a potential fuel crisis Wednesday, the CS immediately offered a clear assurance while asserting that there is no shortage of petroleum. He noted that reserves are currently at the required national level, with the Kenya Pipeline Company holding significant stocks: 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel and 1.7 million litres of dual-purpose kerosene.
He also noted that vessels were confirmed to deliver a combined 30 million litres this month, with another 288 million litres scheduled, while crediting the government’s partners Saudi Aramco, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), and the Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) who “remain fully engaged”.
He then criticised some oil marketing companies for hoarding the product and warned that this was “contrary to the public interest” and a direct breach of licensing obligations.
An increasing number of petrol stations in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kilifi have reported running dry, with motorists either not finding fuel or being restricted on how much they can purchase at the pump. The situation has triggered panic buying, with Kenyans opting to fill their tanks amid fears of further looming shortages.
The disconnect between official assurances and market realities has raised concerns among industry executives, who warn that Kenya could be heading towards a supply crunch.Â
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