Kenya Has Adequate Fuel Reserves Until Scheduled April Deliveries – CS Wandayi
Kenya’s government has assured citizens that the country’s fuel supply remains secure despite global concerns over oil market instability and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi confirmed on Tuesday that Kenya has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic and regional demand for the next two months. He further noted that scheduled imports are secured through to April 2026, ensuring continued supply amid fluctuations in international oil prices.
The Ministry of Energy is closely monitoring the situation and has contingency plans in place, including government-to-government procurement agreements with Gulf suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This assurance comes as instability in the Middle East raises concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for oil exports from Gulf countries.
Any disruption to this route could lead to higher shipping costs, affecting global energy markets, including in Africa. Oil prices have already shown signs of volatility. Brent crude futures rose by 2.14% on Tuesday, reaching USD79.42 per barrel, after briefly surpassing USD82 on Monday, the highest price since January.
These fluctuations have prompted speculation that Kenya’s upcoming fuel price review, set for two weeks, may result in higher prices. In the last review, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reduced fuel prices, with petrol at Ksh178.28, diesel at Ksh166.54, and kerosene at Ksh152.78. Any increases would likely have significant effects on households and businesses already dealing with high living costs.
Uganda has also sought to reassure its citizens, with its Energy Ministry working with Vitol, its supply partner, to diversify fuel sources and prevent shortages.
