Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient petroleum stocks despite growing concerns over rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Speaking on Tuesday after conducting spot checks at several petrol stations in Machakos and neighbouring areas, Wandayi said the supply of fuel products across the country remains stable, with motorists continuing to access services without disruptions.
“As you can see, the stocks of all petroleum products are available. We’ve got adequate stocks of all the products and motorists are able to get the services they require from these stations without any form of hindrance. That means therefore that the economy is now running normally and normalcy has essentially returned,” Wandayi stated.
The Energy CS said Kenya had managed to avoid the fuel shortages currently being witnessed in some countries due to the government-to-government fuel importation arrangement introduced to stabilise supply.
According to Wandayi, the framework has strengthened the country’s fuel supply chain and shielded Kenya from the severe disruptions affecting other nations amid the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“As a country, we are fortunate that with our very robust and resilient government-to-government fuel importation framework, we have not experienced any form of shortage of these products. Fuel shortage has now become a common thing in the region and many other parts of the world,” he added.
However, the CS acknowledged that many Kenyans are still grappling with high fuel prices, which have continued to impact the cost of transport and basic commodities across the country.
Wandayi noted that the government considers the current increase in fuel prices temporary and expressed optimism that prices would eventually stabilise once tensions in the Middle East ease.
“We know that consumers continue to grapple with increased prices of fuel, but again that is something as a government we view as temporary. We are sure that when the situation in the Middle East ends, the benefits will eventually come down to consumers in Kenya,” he said.
His remarks come amid public concern over recent fuel price hikes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which sparked criticism from motorists and transport operators who warned that the increases could further strain the cost of living.
The CS also called on Kenyans to maintain peace and avoid turning the fuel crisis into a political issue, warning against actions that could destabilise the economy.
“We have got a responsibility collectively to protect and safeguard our economy by maintaining law and order, peace and tranquility. We don’t wish to see the kind of happenings witnessed last week where a matter such as fuel price can be turned into a political weapon by elements pursuing selfish agendas,” Wandayi said.
The government continues to monitor global oil market trends as international crude prices remain volatile due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have affected fuel prices in many countries worldwide.
