What You Need to Know
The Kenyan government has issued a warning to oil marketers against hoarding fuel supplies, assuring citizens of sufficient stocks. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasized that the country’s energy security remains stable despite global market uncertainties. The government is committed to maintaining a continuous supply and has mechanisms in place to address any unethical,
Africa-Press – Kenya. The government has warned to oil firms against hoarding petroleum products and reassured the public that the country has adequate stocks. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the State would not tolerate any attempts by industry players to create artificial shortages for speculative gain, stressing that such actions violate licensing conditions and undermine national interest.
Speaking in Nairobi, Wandayi emphasised that Kenya’s energy security remains stable despite global uncertainties affecting oil markets.
He noted that petroleum supply chains, from importation to storage and distribution, are fully operational.
“The government reassures all Kenyans that stocks are adequate and supply remains uninterrupted,” he said.
According to the CS, Kenya Pipeline currently holds substantial reserves, including 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel and 167 million litres of dual-purpose kerosene (DPK), covering jet fuel and household kerosene.
Additional shipments are already in the pipeline, he added, noting petrol imports totalling about 330 million litres are expected within the current cycle, while diesel deliveries of roughly 288 million litres are underway, including cargo currently being offloaded at the Port of Mombasa.
Wandayi added that Kenya’s government-to-government (G2G) fuel procurement framework, established in 2023, continues to enhance supply resilience and shield the country from global price shocks.
Key international suppliers under the arrangement include Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and Emirates National Oil Company, all of which remain on track to meet contractual obligations.
While the war in the Middle East has disrupted oil production, refinery and supply, including rising crude prices, CS Wandayi said supply remains stable.
“There is no partner in the agreement that has indicated any challenges with supplying us or meeting contractual obligations,” Wandayi said, “And nothing stops them from getting product from elsewhere in the world so long as they supply US.”
OMCs have been blamed for rationing products and declining to sell to independent dealers at wholesale, a move that is threatening to create a shortage.
They are pushing the government to adjust prices upwards, decrying high landed costs.
“This conduct is commercially opportunistic and contrary to the public interest,” Wandayi said. “All licensed companies must maintain a continuous supply and sell products at EPRA-gazetted prices.”
He warned that firms found engaging in hoarding or other unethical practices risk facing severe penalties, including possible revocation of licenses.
The CS also urged Kenyans to avoid panic buying, noting that there is no shortage of fuel and no justification for abnormal purchasing behavior.
“Our systems are functioning as required. There is no need for panic buying,” he said, adding that unsafe practices such as storing fuel improperly pose serious risks.
On fuel pricing, Wandayi maintained that Kenya’s regulatory framework remains robust and capable of managing fluctuations in global crude markets.
He declined to speculate on future price movements, noting that adjustments will follow established legal procedures.
Wandayi warned that any attempt to exploit the current global situation for profit would be met with decisive action.
“If you think you can create artificial shortages to maximize profits, you are mistaken. The government has adequate mechanisms to deal with every situation. We will deal with you ruthlessly and in accordance with the law,” he said.
Kenya’s energy sector has faced various challenges, particularly in the wake of global oil market fluctuations. The government has implemented a fuel procurement framework to enhance supply resilience and mitigate the impact of international price shocks. This framework aims to ensure that the country can maintain adequate fuel supplies even amidst global disruptions, such as conflicts affecting oil production.
In recent years, the government has taken a proactive approach to regulate the oil market, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices among oil marketers. This includes strict licensing conditions to prevent hoarding and ensure fair pricing for consumers. The government’s focus,
