By James Waindi
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has moved to quell public anxiety over fuel supply, dismissing reports of a shortage and issuing a stern warning to oil marketers allegedly withholding stocks.
Speaking after an extensive morning meeting with industry stakeholders and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), the CS reassured the nation that Kenya’s energy security remains “sound” despite global geopolitical tensions.
This comes on the backdrop of a threat by petroleum dealers to stop the supply of fuel countrywide unless the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviewed fuel prices upwards.
In a detailed breakdown of the national petroleum position, CS Wandayi confirmed that the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) is currently holding substantial reserves that meet all national stockholding obligations.
Current National Reserves (KPC):
- Petrol: 102 Million Litres
- Diesel: 146 Million Litres
- Kerosene/Jet A-1: 167 Million Litres
“Access to affordable and stable fuel is not a convenience; it is a necessity of national importance,” Wandayi stated, adding that the April fuel cycle is already fully on track with vessels scheduled to deliver over 600 million litres of petrol and diesel combined.
Crackdown on “Opportunistic” Hoarding
The Cabinet Secretary did not mince words regarding reports of product hoarding. He characterized the speculative withholding of stocks by some OMCs as “commercially opportunistic” and a direct breach of licensing obligations.
“This conduct is contrary to the public interest,” Wandayi warned. “All licensed Oil Marketing Companies are reminded of their legal obligation to maintain continuous supply and to release products at EPRA-gazetted prices.”
The CS emphasized that the government maintains full oversight of the supply chain and will not tolerate artificial shortages created in anticipation of price movements.
G-to-G Framework Holding Firm
Addressing external market shocks, the CS credited the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) procurement framework for the country’s current price predictability. He noted that the arrangement has insulated Kenya from the volatility currently affecting global oil markets.
“Our G-to-G supply partners remain fully engaged, with all contracted volumes on track,” he said, expressing confidence that the arrangement is robust enough to manage near-term global uncertainties.
Message to the Public
The Ministry has urged Kenyans to remain calm and maintain their normal purchasing patterns, reiterating that the entire system—from importation to retail—is functioning as required.
“There is no shortage of fuel in the country, and the Government intends to keep it that way,” Wandayi concluded.
