Government Moves to Safeguard Fuel Supply Amid Middle East Conflict as Eldoret Faces Shortage
Energy sector stakeholders are yet to release a statement addressing the situation or provide timelines for the restoration of normal supply.
By Ruth Sang
President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government has put in place firm measures to prevent disruptions in fuel and essential commodity supplies despite the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Speaking during a press briefing at State House Nairobi after holding talks with Daniel Francisco Chapo, President Ruto said the government is working closely with regional partners and key stakeholders to ensure the country does not experience fuel shortages.
“As a government, we are working to mitigate and reduce the effects of the challenge we have in the Middle East. So far, we have made very good progress,” he said.
The Head of State warned that authorities will not tolerate artificial fuel shortages caused by profiteers, emphasizing that strict action will be taken against those attempting to exploit the situation.
He also expressed optimism that the conflict in the Middle East will de-escalate through dialogue and other interventions, noting that a prolonged war could have negative effects on Kenya’s economy, as well as regional and global markets.
President Chapo, who is on an official visit to Kenya, was the chief guest at the 4th Kenya International Investment Conference held on Wednesday.
The government further noted that fuel prices in Kenya have remained stable since the introduction of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) oil deal with Gulf-based oil marketers in 2023. The arrangement has helped stabilise petroleum prices and the exchange rate, shielding the country from global volatility.
However, even as the government maintains that the situation is under control, a fuel shortage has been reported in Eldoret, raising concerns among motorists and residents.
The shortage, which began earlier today, affected several major fuel stations, including TotalEnergies Rupa, Rubis Poa Place, and Shell Rupa, which ran out of regular petrol by mid-afternoon.
Motorists were forced to queue for hours at the few stations with limited supplies, with many expressing frustration over the uncertainty.
“I have been moving from one station to another since afternoon. Most of them have no petrol,” said a boda boda operator, noting that the shortage was affecting his daily income.
At Shell Rupa, attendants confirmed that while V-Power petrol and diesel were still available, regular petrol had been completely depleted by 3 PM.
The sudden shortage has sparked speculation among residents, with some linking it to global tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. However, no official communication has been issued to confirm the cause of the disruption.
Energy sector stakeholders are yet to release a statement addressing the situation or provide timelines for the restoration of normal supply.
If the shortage persists, it is likely to disrupt transport and business operations in Eldoret, a key commercial hub in the North Rift region, as concerns grow over a possible prolonged fuel crisis.
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