Why Kenya had fuel shortage — Wandayi

Kenyans who encountered sporadic fuel shortages in recent days can expect relief after the government confirmed that supply disruptions affecting select filling stations have been resolved.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 6, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi attributed the temporary shortages to a technical and administrative hitch that disrupted the smooth uptake of petroleum products by a section of oil marketing companies within the downstream supply chain.

The disruption, which was limited to isolated filling stations in different parts of the country, had sparked concern among motorists and businesses reliant on steady fuel availability.

However, the ministry emphasised that the issue did not reflect a broader national shortage.

“The matter has since been resolved, and we are working closely with industry stakeholders to normalise deliveries,” Wandayi said.

The CS noted that fuel restocking efforts are already underway across affected areas.

He added that normal supply levels are expected to be restored nationwide by the end of the day, effectively easing concerns of a prolonged disruption.

The CS reassured the public that Kenya has sufficient fuel reserves to meet current demand, urging calm among consumers and discouraging panic buying.

“The Ministry wishes to reassure Kenyans that the country has adequate fuel stocks. There should be no cause for alarm,” he said.

Wandayi reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining energy security and ensuring an uninterrupted fuel supply to households, businesses, and industries, underscoring the critical role of petroleum products in supporting economic stability.

The assurance comes amid complaints from a section of Kenyans that there is no adequate fuel in the country.

At the beginning of the month of May, global refined petroleum product supplies were experiencing significant tightening, particularly in jet fuel and industrial feedstocks, despite an overall abundance of crude oil.

Kenya has been struggling to secure products for import, with vessel availability also proving difficult, according to industry players.

This has hurt shipments into the country even as the government insists that supply remains stable.

In Nairobi, motorists were turned away at several pump stations within the city due to a lack of products.

“As of last night, there was a problem. I moved from one petrol station to another, and queues were already building, but I finally managed to fuel,” said Fred Mucheru, a taxi driver in Nairobi.

Macmilan midarimo, a Boda boda rider, said: "We are charging above the normal price because we have struggled to secure fuel. The whole of CBD, petrol stations are empty."

Independent dealers, who serve the wider parts of the country, have also been struggling to secure products, blamed on failure to have a wholesale cap and product for the smaller traders.

They are forced to buy at the pump from the major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), who are also limiting the quantities they sell to them, with some completely locking the small dealers out of the supply chain.

Independents account for up to 68 per cent of fueling points across the country, moving 40 per cent of the industry volumes.

Last month, hoarding of products by major Oil Marketing Companies in anticipation for the recent price increase was blamed for the shortage witnessed in the country during the first week of April.

“They have made it difficult for independents to get product. This means the people I am serving are forced to all rush to town to fuel at the same station, which leads to the shortages we are seeing,” Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) chairman, Martin Chomba, told the Star.