Fuel Shortage Hits Nairobi Despite EPRA Easing On Quality
A fresh wave of fuel shortage has hit the country, affecting several towns, with Nairobi being the hardest hit in the latest incident.
The crisis, evident since the beginning of the week, saw several fuel stations remain dry for much of Tuesday, with shortages extending into Wednesday morning.
A spot check has revealed that the shortage is being experienced across several towns in the country, but Nairobi remains the most affected city.
Along Thika Superhighway, motorists were forced to queue for extended periods at several fuel stations, with some matatu operators revealing they were turned away due to the unavailability of fuel products.
NAIROBI FUEL CRISIS: Over 60% of petrol stations are dry as a severe shortage hits the city. Long queues reported in Westlands, CBD, and South C. Prices spiking to KES 250/L at some pumps. pic.twitter.com/HDhvsNVjUw
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) May 6, 2026
The situation along Thika Superhighway even led to traffic disruptions with the queues extending to the service lane near the Survey area.
“I have come here for like three times. I have visited like four petrol stations and they don’t have fuel. I have heard there is little remaining here and i want to see if i can get it,” one motorist lamented.
Along the Eastern Bypass, a similar situation was witnessed as motorists remained stranded as some petrol stations, despite being open, remained without fuel.
In Rongai, several filling stations were also reported shortages, with some going to the extent of controlling the amount of fuel a single motorist could purchase.
This reportedly led to panic buying by some operators in fears of their businesses being stalled by the new shortage concerns.
Fuel shortage hits Nairobi as motorists scramble for petrol. #NewsFixNTV pic.twitter.com/oJo2ZF9JTT
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 6, 2026
The latest fuel concerns have also hit several parts of the capital, including Embakasi, South C Estate and Lang’ata, among others.
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A number of filling stations in these areas confirmed diesel shortages, with only limited petrol supplies remaining.
The situation comes barely 10 days before the May fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), heightening fears among consumers of a potential price increase.
Fuel suppliers have, however, blamed the shortage on logistical challenges and delays in clearing fuel cargo that have already docked at the Port of Mombasa.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) confirmed the delays, linking them to issues surrounding Certificates of Conformity (CoC) for some vessels, and noted that efforts to fast-track clearance were underway as of Monday, May 4.
Fuel Shortage Hits Nairobi Despite EPRA Easing On Quality
