MOMBASA, Kenya — The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced that 49 vessels are expected to dock at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu over the next 14 days, with several carrying petroleum products as the country grapples with reported fuel supply constraints.
According to KPA’s vessel schedule dated April 8, the bulk of the ships will berth at the Port of Mombasa, while six are destined for the Port of Lamu. The incoming cargo includes containers, motor vehicles, bulk wheat, fertiliser, steel coils, and general merchandise, underscoring continued trade flow through Kenya’s key maritime gateways.
Notably, four vessels carrying petroleum and related products are expected to dock in Mombasa in the coming days. The tanker Velos Turquoise is scheduled to arrive on April 9 with gas oil, alongside Beaufort, which will be delivering butane.
Bow Aquarius, carrying base oil, is expected on April 12, followed by Atahualpa on April 13 with a similar cargo.
The arrival of these shipments comes against the backdrop of fuel shortages reported in several parts of the country, including Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kericho, where motorists have faced long queues at petrol stations. In some areas, such as Nyamira, fuel outlets have temporarily shut down due to supply challenges, forcing consumers to travel longer distances in search of fuel.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has raised concerns over possible market manipulation, warning that some oil marketing companies may be hoarding petroleum products in anticipation of price increases. The regulator noted that such practices are unlawful under the Petroleum Act and could exacerbate supply disruptions.
EPRA has also flagged instances of fuel being sold above regulated wholesale prices, cautioning that non-compliance with pricing guidelines undermines market stability and consumer protection.
However, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has dismissed fears of a national fuel crisis, maintaining that the country has sufficient stocks to meet both current and future demand. In a recent statement, KPC said inventory levels remain stable despite localized shortages reported in some regions.
The developments highlight ongoing concerns within Kenya’s energy supply chain, even as authorities move to reassure the public and enforce regulatory compliance among market players.
With multiple fuel shipments expected to arrive in the coming days, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the additional supply eases pressure at retail outlets and stabilises distribution across the country.
