Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma has assured that the ongoing fuel crisis will end within 72 hours.
Speaking at the Energy Ministry offices in Nairobi today, Juma urged for calmness among motorists across the country.
She assured Kenyans that there is enough fuel in storage that could sustain the country till June.
“We have sufficient stock in our depots. The schedule for incoming products is uninterrupted. We have quantities that would last us to the end of June without issues. No cause for panic,” she said.
She blamed a group of oil marketing companies for hoarding fuel stocks and/or diverting them to regional countries further worsening the crisis.
She said that the Energy and Petroleum and Regulatory Authority has already issued show-cause letters to Oil Marketers selling fuel above prices stipulated in monthly reviews.
“I confirm that hoarding is taking place. It is criminal and amounts to economic sabotage. We hope that the supply and demand will correct itself in the next 72 hours after fuel prices have been announced,” Juma said.
Motorists have also been urged to avoid buying extra bulk in order to avert further crisis. She has also asked fuel retailing outlets to operate on a 24-hour basis to help stabilise fuel supply in the country.