Fuel Prices Across Kenya As Petrol Stations Warn of Limited Stocks
Motorists across the country are reporting an escalating fuel shortage, with long queues forming at petrol stations as supplies dwindle and uncertainty grips the market.
Consequently, some retailers now warn of completely limited stock.
In Nairobi, most petrol stations remain open, but operators warn that their current stocks can only last a few more days, raising fears of an imminent crisis in the capital.
Retailers say deliveries have slowed, leaving them unable to meet growing demand as anxious motorists rush to fill their tanks amid fears of running dry.
In the wake of the developments, some motorists have accused fuel stations of hoarding products in anticipation of a price hike in the upcoming mid-month review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In Nyamira, the situation has deteriorated further, with several petrol stations remaining closed and motorists struggling to find any available fuel.
The crisis has also raised safety concerns, with boda boda riders and drivers escorting fuel tankers and crowding stations during offloading, creating a heightened risk of accidents and explosions.
Kericho town has been hit hard, with reports indicating that only a single petrol station is operational, forcing motorists to travel long distances in search of fuel.
Amid the developments, several petrol stations are now offering only high-octane fuel, which is more expensive and retailing at about Ksh200 per litre, significantly higher than regular petrol prices.
Motorists in Nakuru and surrounding areas say the shortage has disrupted daily life, with many unable to find fuel even after travelling across multiple towns.
The situation is similar in Nyeri, Karatina, Murang’a and Kirinyaga, where long queues stretching overnight have become common, with some motorists resorting to carrying fuel in unsafe containers such as jerrycans.
“I have searched for petrol in the whole of Njoro and did not get anything. This forced me to come to Nakuru, where I have also been unable to get the normal fuel,” Duncan Njehia, a resident of Njoro in Nakuru, said.
“I have searched for fuel in Nyeri and Karatina unsuccessfully. Now I have been able to get a queue here, and the only option I have is to fully fill the tank. We are beginning to feel the pain,” James Gitonga, a resident of Mwea, stated.
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Public transport operators are now warning of a looming shutdown, with matatu saccos indicating they may be forced to withdraw vehicles from the roads due to the scarcity of fuel.
Transport costs have already surged, with fares rising sharply on key routes such as Nairobi-Nakuru, as operators pass on the increased cost and difficulty of accessing fuel to commuters.
Motorists under the Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) have threatened to paralyse transport across the country, warning of a nationwide strike that could bring all roads to a standstill over the ongoing fuel shortage.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, April 7, the association accused government officials and fuel sector players of orchestrating what it termed an artificial crisis aimed at manipulating prices and exploiting consumers.
Fuel Prices Across Kenya As Petrol Stations Warn of Limited Stocks
