Motorists in Kenya may face difficulties accessing fuel after reports emerged that suppliers have begun rationing petrol and diesel, with some areas already experiencing shortages.
Several distributors, according to a news report by a Kenya-based news website, Kenyans.co.ke have run out of stock temporarily, raising concerns that the situation could worsen if delayed shipments fail to arrive soon.
Martin Chomba told Bloomberg that the shortage is particularly severe in rural areas, where several fuel stations have been forced to close due to stockouts.
“The biggest fuel suppliers to Kenya are rationing products. A few distributors are experiencing stockouts in the villages,” he said.
Experts warn that prolonged rationing could have serious economic consequences, affecting transport, businesses, and the cost of basic goods. Kenya consumes roughly 100,000 barrels of fuel per day, all imported through Mombasa, and by law, importers are required to maintain only 21 days of operational stock.
Analysts say that even a single delayed shipment—potentially caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—could push the country into emergency fuel levels within weeks.
Across Africa, many nations face similar risks due to heavy reliance on fuel imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while wealthier countries compete aggressively for available consignments.
The development comes just a week after the government assured Kenyans of adequate fuel supplies despite the Middle East conflict. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said on March 13 that the government was working with international oil companies under a government-to-government arrangement to prevent shortages.
Meanwhile, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently maintained fuel prices for the March 15 to April 14 cycle, with Super Petrol at Ksh178.28 per litre, Diesel at Ksh166.54, and Kerosene at Ksh152.78, providing temporary relief for motorists even as fears of price hikes persist.
