What You Need to Know
The Kenya Pipeline Corporation has assured the public that the country has enough petrol stocks to last over 20 days, despite reports of dry pumps at some stations. KPC’s acting MD Pius Mwendwa stated that the fuel position remains stable, with 162.8 million litres of petrol available. The National Assembly Committee on Energy confirmed sufficient stocks at all KPC depots, urging oil marketers to,
Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenya Pipeline Corporation has disclosed that Kenya has enough petrol stocks to last over 20 days, seeking to calm public anxiety triggered by reports of dry pumps at some filling stations.
While appearing before the Senate’s Energy Committee, KPC acting MD Pius Mwendwa said the country’s fuel position at the source remains stable, even as isolated retail outlets report supply gaps.
“I again repeat that there is no shortage and we are not privy as to why there are shortages in some stations,” Mwendwa stated.
He further revealed that as of today, KPC is holding about 162.8 million litres of Motor Spirit Premium (petrol), a volume, according to our analysis, that translates to about 26 days of national daily consumption.
According to Mwendwa, the inventory levels show 169 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) currently in storage.
Despite the higher volume of diesel, its rapid daily consumption of 9.1 million litres creates a tighter margin than petrol, which sees a daily demand of about 6.3 million litres.
In the aviation sector, stocks of Gas Turbine Fuel (GTF) stand at 83.7 million litres, Mwendwa said. Although this represents the smallest physical volume of the three primary fuels, a lower daily consumption rate of 2.5 million litres provides the country with its most robust cushion of 33 days.
“As of today, we have 162.8 million litres of petrol in the system, which covers us very well. We also have 169.1 million litres of diesel and 83.7 million litres of Jet A1 fuel. Those are the current stock levels, and we are still receiving additional cargo,” Mwendwa said.
At the same time, the National Assembly Committee on Energy conducted an inspection of fuel stocks at KPC headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday, confirming that there are sufficient petroleum products across all five KPC depots nationwide.
Speaking after the inspection, Committee Chairperson David Gikaria expressed satisfaction that fuel stocks are adequate, urging oil marketers to lift the products from depots and transport them to service stations.
“We are pleased to confirm that we reviewed the figures in real time and, based on what we saw, there are indeed sufficient petroleum products across all KPC depots,” Gikaria stated.
The revelation comes just hours before the fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) expected later on Tuesday, even as many stations continue to grapple with supply gaps.
The situation has fueled fears of a possible price hike, with motorists warning EPRA that any increase would only worsen the challenges on the ground.
Kenya’s fuel supply chain has faced challenges in recent years, often leading to public concern over shortages and price fluctuations. The Kenya Pipeline Corporation plays a crucial role in managing the country’s petroleum products, ensuring that supply meets demand across various sectors, including transportation and aviation. Recent inspections by government committees aim to maintain transparency and reassure the public about fuel availability, especially during periods of heightened anxiety over potential shortages.
