CS Wandayi Denies Fuel Crisis, Warns Oil Marketers Against Hoarding
News Updated: 25 March 2026 15:16 EAT
Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, during a consultative meeting with oil marketing companies to review the situation in the Middle East and it's Effect on Kenya economy
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has denied reports that Kenya is facing a nationwide fuel crisis, insisting that the country’s petroleum reserves remain at adequate levels.
CS Wandayi stated that the Kenya Pipeline Company holds sufficient stocks of petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and kerosene to meet daily national demand. He emphasized that the situation on the ground does not reflect a systemic shortage.
The Cabinet Secretary attributed localized pump shortages to hoarding and panic buying rather than a genuine lack of supply. He warned that any oil marketing company withholding fuel could face serious sanctions under the law.
Wandayi directed all oil marketers to release any fuel withheld and supply the market in line with their licensing obligations. He stressed that this was necessary to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel across the country.
According to the Energy Ministry, additional shipments are expected to arrive at the Port of Mombasa in the coming days, bolstering national reserves and maintaining normal supply flows.
The CS urged motorists and the public not to engage in panic buying, saying it exacerbates temporary shortages and puts unnecessary pressure on retailers.
Industry sources report that some independent fuel outlets have experienced supply gaps, with about 20 percent of stations reportedly running low on fuel. However, officials insist these are isolated cases and not indicative of a national crisis.
Global oil price fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have contributed to market uncertainty and fears of scarcity among consumers and traders.
Wandayi noted that the government continues to monitor supply and pricing closely, and any oil marketer found manipulating stock levels or selling fuel above regulated prices will face legal consequences.
The Energy Ministry reiterated that national petroleum reserves are maintained at levels required for emergency preparedness and routine consumption, assuring Kenyans of uninterrupted fuel access.
EPRA, the sector regulator, has been directed to enforce compliance and ensure oil marketers follow licensing rules, including timely release of fuel to retail stations.
The CS concluded by calling on oil marketers to act responsibly, warning that commercial opportunism at the expense of consumers will not be tolerated, and the government is ready to take punitive action where necessary.
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FELIX MAKONA
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