A fresh fuel shortage has gripped Nairobi and several other towns across Kenya, just days before the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is expected to announce its latest price review. Motorists in the capital woke up on Wednesday morning to find dry pumps at multiple fuel stations, with long queues forming at the few outlets still dispensing petrol and diesel.
What Caused the Shortage?
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has pointed to delayed payments to oil marketing companies as a key factor behind the supply disruption. Speaking on the crisis, Wandayi acknowledged that some oil importers had faced challenges accessing foreign exchange, leading to slower shipments into the country.
“We are working to resolve the logistical bottlenecks that have affected fuel supply,” Wandayi said, adding that the government was in talks with industry players to stabilise distribution.
Impact Across Towns
The shortage extends beyond Nairobi, with reports of dry stations in Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret. Motorists have been forced to drive from station to station in search of fuel, while some public service vehicles have scaled back operations, pushing up transport costs for commuters.
Fuel station attendants at several outlets in Nairobi’s Central Business District confirmed they had not received supplies since Monday, with no clear timeline on when deliveries would resume.
EPRA Review Adds Pressure
The timing of the shortage, ahead of EPRA’s mid-month price review, has heightened anxiety among consumers. Industry watchers say the current supply constraints could push prices upward if the situation is not resolved quickly.
The government has urged Kenyans to avoid panic buying, saying emergency measures are being put in place to ensure normal supply resumes within days. Whether that reassurance holds will depend on how fast oil marketers can restock their depots.
