The Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Opiyo Wandayi has warned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Kenya against engaging in fuel hoarding, cautioning that offenders risk having their operating licences revoked.
According to Capital FM, the government has observed instances of some firms withholding fuel stocks in anticipation of price increases, driven by global market disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wandayi described the practice as commercially opportunistic, contrary to public interest, and a breach of licensing obligations.
He stressed that OMCs are required to ensure continuous fuel supply and adhere strictly to prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wandayi maintained that Kenya currently has sufficient fuel reserves to meet national demand, with the Kenya Pipeline Company holding 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel, and 167 million litres of kerosene and Jet A-1.
He added that these stock levels are adequate when benchmarked against average daily consumption.
The Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wandayi further noted that supplies for the April fuel cycle are on schedule, with confirmed deliveries of 330 million litres of petrol and 288 million litres of diesel, as well as additional kerosene shipments expected.
He also assured that there have been no disruptions under the government-to-government fuel import arrangement.
The Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wandayi warned that any breach of licence conditions would attract serious regulatory consequences, including possible revocation.