Kenya could face a potential fuel supply crisis in the coming months if escalating tensions between Iran and Israel further disrupt global oil supply chains, lawmakers have warned.
The concerns emerged during a meeting between the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy and officials from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum while considering the Supplementary Estimates I for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Members of Parliament expressed concern that rising geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel have already begun affecting global oil supply routes, triggering volatility in international fuel prices and raising fears of possible shortages.
Reports indicate that several cargo vessels transporting petroleum products have recently come under attack, with some catching fire, while major oil refineries supplying several countries have also reportedly been targeted and partially destroyed. The developments have led to disruptions and partial paralysis of operations within some of the global oil supply refineries.
The committee sought clarification from the Principal Secretary for Petroleum, Mr. Mohammed Liban, on the government’s level of preparedness to cushion the country from possible supply shocks.
“Do we have adequate oil in our reserve?” posed Walter Owino, reflecting the concern among legislators over the country’s strategic petroleum stock levels.
Chairperson of the committee, Hon. David Gikaria, described the concern as both valid and urgent, noting that the matter had attracted growing public interest and speculation across the country.
In his directive, Hon. Gikaria instructed that the Cabinet Secretary, together with the Principal Secretary for petroleum and other relevant institutions such as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), appear before the committee next week to provide a comprehensive briefing on the situation and the government’s contingency plans.
“This matter is very critical and needs enough time to really interrogate it and acquire a full understanding around it,” said Hon. Gikaria.
The committee is expected to convene a follow-up session with the Ministry and relevant agencies to assess the country’s preparedness and explore possible mitigation measures should the geopolitical tensions escalate further and disrupt fuel supplies.
By Anthony Solly
