Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed recent fears about a potential fuel shortage in Kenya, assuring the public that the country has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet national demand. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, CS Wandayi emphasized that the supply chain for petroleum products is intact, and that Kenya's fuel reserves are well above the required levels for everyday consumption.
According to official figures, the Kenya Pipeline Company currently holds 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel, 157 million litres of dual-purpose kerosene, Jet A1 aviation fuel, and kerosene. In addition, CS Wandayi confirmed that a diesel vessel is currently discharging at the Port of Mombasa, with further shipments expected to deliver an additional 288 million litres in the coming days.
“These stocks are more than adequate to meet national demand against our daily consumption,” CS Wandayi assured. He noted that he is aware of isolated instances where some oil marketing companies may be hoarding fuel. He warned that such conduct, if reported, would be treated with the full force of the law.
The CS directed all oil marketers to maintain regular supply levels and to sell fuel at prices determined by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). He described any attempts to manipulate the market for commercial gain as “commercially opportunistic, contrary to the country’s interest, and in direct breach of their legal obligations.”
“They are fully aware of the conditions attached to their licenses. Any deviation from these standards, including unethical practices aimed at taking advantage of a global crisis, will attract serious sanctions,” CS Wandayi cautioned.
In his address, CS Wandayi also appealed to the general public to avoid panic buying. He stressed that Kenyans should continue with their normal purchasing patterns, as there is no immediate threat to fuel supply. He added that any changes in fuel prices, if necessary, would be officially communicated by the government through EPRA.
The recent fears of a fuel shortage in Kenya have largely been fueled by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key international waterway through which approximately 20 percent of global oil exports pass during peacetime. The closure was reportedly in retaliation by Iran against the United States and Israel, escalating concerns about disruptions to global oil supply chains.
Despite these global uncertainties, CS Wandayi reassured Kenyans that the country is well-prepared. Since 2023, Kenya has diversified its fuel import sources, securing supply deals with three major international oil companies: Saudi Aramco, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and the Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC). This strategic partnership was specifically designed to address shortages caused by earlier constraints, including the scarcity of foreign currency which had affected local oil marketers.
CS Wandayi highlighted that these agreements have strengthened Kenya's fuel security by ensuring consistent supply despite fluctuations in the global oil market. He emphasized that the government continues to monitor the situation closely and will intervene if necessary to stabilize the market.
“Kenya’s fuel reserves are sufficient, our supply chains are functioning, and we have robust contingency measures in place,” he said. “The public should have confidence in the government’s ability to manage the supply of petroleum products effectively.”
The Energy CS further called on industry players to uphold their ethical and legal obligations. “Hoarding or artificially inflating prices during this period of uncertainty is not only illegal but also undermines public confidence and affects everyday Kenyans,” he said. CS Wandayi reiterated that any violation will attract prompt legal action, including fines, license suspension, or other regulatory penalties.
In conclusion, the message from the Energy Ministry was clear: while global tensions may cause temporary concern, Kenya’s fuel supply remains secure. Citizens are encouraged to continue purchasing fuel as usual, without panic or fear, while the government ensures that petroleum products remain available and affordable across the country.
With ongoing monitoring and the support of international supply partners, Kenya is well-positioned to navigate potential disruptions in the global oil market. The government’s proactive measures, combined with strong regulatory oversight, aim to safeguard both the national economy and the daily needs of Kenyan consumers.
According to official figures, the Kenya Pipeline Company currently holds 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel, 157 million litres of dual-purpose kerosene, Jet A1 aviation fuel, and kerosene. In addition, CS Wandayi confirmed that a diesel vessel is currently discharging at the Port of Mombasa, with further shipments expected to deliver an additional 288 million litres in the coming days.
“These stocks are more than adequate to meet national demand against our daily consumption,” CS Wandayi assured. He noted that he is aware of isolated instances where some oil marketing companies may be hoarding fuel. He warned that such conduct, if reported, would be treated with the full force of the law.
The CS directed all oil marketers to maintain regular supply levels and to sell fuel at prices determined by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). He described any attempts to manipulate the market for commercial gain as “commercially opportunistic, contrary to the country’s interest, and in direct breach of their legal obligations.”
“They are fully aware of the conditions attached to their licenses. Any deviation from these standards, including unethical practices aimed at taking advantage of a global crisis, will attract serious sanctions,” CS Wandayi cautioned.
In his address, CS Wandayi also appealed to the general public to avoid panic buying. He stressed that Kenyans should continue with their normal purchasing patterns, as there is no immediate threat to fuel supply. He added that any changes in fuel prices, if necessary, would be officially communicated by the government through EPRA.
The recent fears of a fuel shortage in Kenya have largely been fueled by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key international waterway through which approximately 20 percent of global oil exports pass during peacetime. The closure was reportedly in retaliation by Iran against the United States and Israel, escalating concerns about disruptions to global oil supply chains.
Despite these global uncertainties, CS Wandayi reassured Kenyans that the country is well-prepared. Since 2023, Kenya has diversified its fuel import sources, securing supply deals with three major international oil companies: Saudi Aramco, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and the Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC). This strategic partnership was specifically designed to address shortages caused by earlier constraints, including the scarcity of foreign currency which had affected local oil marketers.
CS Wandayi highlighted that these agreements have strengthened Kenya's fuel security by ensuring consistent supply despite fluctuations in the global oil market. He emphasized that the government continues to monitor the situation closely and will intervene if necessary to stabilize the market.
“Kenya’s fuel reserves are sufficient, our supply chains are functioning, and we have robust contingency measures in place,” he said. “The public should have confidence in the government’s ability to manage the supply of petroleum products effectively.”
The Energy CS further called on industry players to uphold their ethical and legal obligations. “Hoarding or artificially inflating prices during this period of uncertainty is not only illegal but also undermines public confidence and affects everyday Kenyans,” he said. CS Wandayi reiterated that any violation will attract prompt legal action, including fines, license suspension, or other regulatory penalties.
In conclusion, the message from the Energy Ministry was clear: while global tensions may cause temporary concern, Kenya’s fuel supply remains secure. Citizens are encouraged to continue purchasing fuel as usual, without panic or fear, while the government ensures that petroleum products remain available and affordable across the country.
With ongoing monitoring and the support of international supply partners, Kenya is well-positioned to navigate potential disruptions in the global oil market. The government’s proactive measures, combined with strong regulatory oversight, aim to safeguard both the national economy and the daily needs of Kenyan consumers.
