Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended Kenya’s fuel supply system amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying the country has not experienced a day without fuel since the war broke out.
Wandayi attributed the stability to the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel importation framework, which he said had helped Kenya maintain supplies even as other countries in the region grapple with fuel shortages.
“When the war broke out, we as Kenyans were fortunate to have the government-to-government fuel importation framework, which has enabled us to maintain fuel supplies throughout these months,” Wandayi said.
He said Kenya had continued to have fuel at its petrol stations despite disruptions caused by the conflict, which has affected global oil markets.
“I don't think there is any single day we have lacked petrol at our stations,” he said.
However, the CS acknowledged that the prices motorists pay at the pump are influenced by international factors beyond the control of any single government, including the effects of geopolitical tensions on global petroleum markets.
He said the government, under President William Ruto, was taking measures to cushion consumers against the effects of global shocks.
Wandayi cited the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 15 per cent to eight per cent as one of the interventions aimed at easing the burden on consumers.
“This last week Parliament has been able to extend the operating period of regards reduction to another 90 days as a way of cushioning the public,” the CS said in Kisumu during a briefing with the media.
He also said the government continued to deploy the petroleum stabilisation fund to mitigate the effects of rising international oil prices on local consumers.
“As a government, we are very concerned that the public continues to bear the brunt of the war that is raging in the Middle East,” he said.
He added that the government would continue exploring measures to minimise the impact of the conflict on Kenyans as uncertainty in international oil markets persisted.
The CS's remarks come amid concerns over the cost of fuel and the potential impact of prolonged conflict in the Middle East on Kenya's economy, given the country's reliance on imported petroleum products.
A day earlier, two tankers carrying petroleum products destined for Kenya were reportedly targeted by drone strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting deliveries amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
