Fuel jitters grip Kenya despite government assurances
Fears are mounting over a possible sharp increase in fuel prices beginning this morning, Saturday 14, 2026 even as Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi moved to reassure Kenyans that the country has adequate petroleum supplies.
Concern has been growing among motorists and businesses after fuel dealers and oil marketers indicated that stocks of the commodity were running low in several areas, raising the spectre of shortages and higher pump prices.
However, Wandayi dismissed fears of an impending crisis, insisting that the government had put in place measures to guarantee a steady supply of petroleum products despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Speaking at Tendeno Primary School in Tendeno/Soget Ward in Kipkelion East Constituency during the launch of the last-mile electricity connectivity project, the CS said the government was closely monitoring the global situation and had secured sufficient fuel supplies for the country.
“A major conflict has erupted in the Middle East between the US, Israel and Iran. This war has caused widespread fear among citizens not just in Kenya but across the world,” Wandayi said.
“I want to assure Kenyans that regarding fuel, they should not worry. The national government, led by President William Ruto, has put in place comprehensive strategies to ensure there is enough fuel today, tomorrow and in the future. Citizens should therefore not be anxious.”
Despite the assurances, spot checks by The Informer Media Group revealed that some fuel dealers and outlets had begun experiencing stock-outs, fueling speculation that pump prices could surge in the coming days.
One Nairobi-based dealer warned that petrol prices could rise to more than Sh200 per litre if the supply situation tightens.
“Begining tomorrow, the prices could rise sharply to over Sh200 per litre of petrol,” one of the Nairobi dealers
Wandayi said the government was working closely with major international oil companies under the government-to-government fuel supply arrangement to cushion the country from global supply disruptions.
Among the companies involved in the arrangement are Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Emirates National Oil Company.
“We are working very closely with international oil companies through government-to-government supply arrangements. We are cooperating with all these companies to ensure that fuel in Kenya will not run out,” the CS said.
He added that the ministry’s role is to ensure consistent fuel availability to support economic activities across the country.
Wandayi further noted that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is expected to announce the new monthly fuel prices on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
He expressed confidence that the country would not face shortages, saying the government had already secured adequate stocks to ensure Kenyans do not suffer disruptions in fuel supply.
