By Andrew Kariuki

The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has attributed the recent fuel shortages reported across parts of the country to what it described as “technical and administrative hitches” within the supply chain.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the disruption led to reduced uptake of petroleum products by some oil marketing companies operating downstream, resulting in temporary shortages at several filling stations.

He assured the public that the situation is being addressed and that the country has sufficient fuel reserves.

“Fuel restocking in various filling stations is underway, and normal supply across the country will be attained by the end of the day today,” he said.

The shortages come against the backdrop of global supply pressures linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has driven up international fuel prices and disrupted supply chains.

In the latest pricing cycle, landed costs rose sharply, with super petrol at Ksh107 per litre, diesel at Ksh133, and kerosene at Ksh170. In Nairobi, pump prices currently stand at Ksh206 for both petrol and diesel, while kerosene remains at Ksh152 per litre.

To cushion consumers from rising costs, the government has deployed approximately Ksh6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund to stabilise prices at the pump.

The ministry maintained that the shortages are temporary and urged calm as supply normalisation efforts continue.