KPC assures Kenyans of adequate fuel supply

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has moved to calm public anxiety over reported fuel shortages across the country, insisting that there is sufficient stock in its system and that supply remains stable.

In a statement issued Wednesday, KPC said it had noted “with concern” reports of empty pumps in several petrol stations, but maintained that the situation does not reflect the actual national fuel position.

“KPC wishes to assure the public that there is sufficient fuel in all of our terminals and depots and that the products meet national and international quality standards as prescribed by relevant certification bodies,” said acting Managing Director Pius Mwendwa.

The State corporation, which is responsible for transporting petroleum products from the coast to inland depots, said its infrastructure is robust enough to support a consistent supply across the country and the wider region.

According to the company, the current stock levels across its system are sufficient to meet both present and projected national demand.

“The fuel stocks are sufficient to meet current and projected national demand, with continuous product movement and replenishment in all our terminals and depots,” Mwendwa said.

Data released by the company shows significant volumes of Super Petrol, Diesel and Jet fuel across major depots, including Kipevu, Kenya Petroleum Refineries, Nairobi, Eldoret and Kisumu, pointing to what KPC described as “robust inventory levels and sustained throughput.”

The assurance comes at a time when motorists in parts of the country have reported sporadic shortages and long queues at filling stations, raising fears of a possible supply disruption.

However, KPC attributed the concerns to factors outside its operations, noting that its role is limited to bulk transportation and storage, while distribution to retail outlets is handled by oil marketing companies.

Industry stakeholders have in recent days raised alarm over alleged hoarding and supply chain inefficiencies, which could be contributing to the artificial shortages being experienced at the pump.

Despite the concerns, KPC reiterated its commitment to maintaining reliability in the petroleum supply chain.

“The Company reaffirms its commitment to ensuring reliability and sustainability in the supply of quality petroleum products across the country,” Mwendwa said.

The latest statement is expected to ease public concern even as regulators and industry players continue to investigate the cause of the reported shortages at retail stations.