Motorists across Kenya could soon face serious fuel access challenges as suppliers begin rationing petrol and diesel, raising the risk of a nationwide shortage.
According to Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya Chairperson Martin Chomba, several distributors have already run out of stock, with rural areas hit the hardest. A number of fuel stations outside major towns have reportedly shut down temporarily due to depleted supplies.
The problem is structural, not accidental. Kenya consumes about 100,000 barrels of fuel daily, all imported through Mombasa. By regulation, importers are only required to maintain 21 days of stock. That buffer is thin—one delayed shipment, and the system starts breaking.
Now factor in the bigger risk: the ongoing tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. If shipments are disrupted there, Kenya doesn’t just face higher prices—it risks actual shortages within weeks. That’s not speculation; that’s basic supply chain math.
Meanwhile, wealthier countries are aggressively securing available fuel cargo, which means Kenya is competing from a weaker position. If this turns into a bidding war, Kenya loses. Simple.
What makes this worse is the contradiction from government messaging. Just days ago, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi assured the country of stable supply under government-to-government deals. At the same time, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority kept fuel prices unchanged, which looks good politically but ignores underlying supply risks.
Bottom line: if supply delays persist, expect shortages first, price spikes next, and economic pressure across transport, food, and small businesses immediately after.
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