NAIROBI, Kenya- Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged until the next Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) review on June 14, despite growing public anger over soaring pump prices that have triggered a nationwide transport crisis.
Speaking amid mounting pressure from commuters, matatu operators and businesses, Mbadi attributed the current fuel crisis to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and disruptions in global oil supply chains.
“The increased prices are the aftermath of the Gulf war between the United States and Iran,” Mbadi said, adding that the affected supply channels continue to impact fuel costs globally.
The CS, however, assured Kenyans that the government was monitoring the situation closely and exploring possible interventions to cushion consumers from the high cost of fuel.
Mbadi revealed that President William Ruto is expected to chair a high-level meeting upon his return from Azerbaijan to discuss measures aimed at stabilising prices and easing pressure on households and businesses.
Among the options being considered are additional tax adjustments, use of the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund and expansion of fuel stabilisation programmes.
Mbadi disclosed that the government had already spent billions of shillings in recent months trying to cushion Kenyans from global oil shocks.
The latest EPRA review saw diesel prices rise sharply while petrol and kerosene also recorded significant increases, sparking outrage among motorists and public transport operators.
The fuel hikes have already caused widespread disruption across the country, with matatu operators staging a nationwide strike that paralysed transport services and turned sections of Nairobi into a ghost town.
Mbadi defended the government, insisting the crisis was global and not unique to Kenya.
“Everywhere in the world the prices have gone up,” he said while cautioning leaders against politicising the matter.
