NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has assured Kenyans that the country’s petroleum supply remains stable despite escalating tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted global oil markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said Kenya continues to receive scheduled fuel cargoes under the Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel supply arrangement, ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country.
The ministry noted that renewed military escalation around the Strait of Hormuz has led to attacks on commercial vessels, reduced tanker traffic and heightened uncertainty in international energy markets. However, it maintained that Kenya’s fuel imports have not been affected.
According to the statement, cargoes have continued to be sourced from a wider range of loading regions beyond the Gulf, with all scheduled shipments arriving and offloading on time.
“Kenya’s fuel supply has held firm throughout. Under our Government-to-Government arrangement, cargoes have continued to be sourced from a wider set of loading regions beyond the Gulf, every scheduled cargo has arrived and offloaded on time, and fuel has remained available at the pump throughout the country.”
The ministry said the G2G arrangement has insulated the country from rising freight and insurance costs that have affected importers relying on spot purchases and open tenders. Fixed freight charges and premiums under the agreement have helped keep landed fuel costs under control despite volatility in global oil prices.
While acknowledging that international oil benchmarks have begun rising again following the renewed crisis, the government said it would continue working with industry players to safeguard fuel supplies and cushion consumers from external shocks.
As part of those measures, the government has extended the application period of the 8 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products for a further three months, until October 14, 2026, in consultation with the National Treasury.
The ministry also announced that it will deploy Sh945 million from the Petroleum Development Levy during the July–August 2026 pricing cycle to maintain current fuel prices.
According to the statement, Kenya has built a more resilient petroleum supply chain through strategic investments, adequate national fuel stocks and an operational import and distribution system capable of withstanding periods of global market disruption.
Wandayi said the interventions are intended to protect households, businesses and the wider economy from international market volatility while keeping petroleum products as affordable as possible.
“I therefore wish to reassure motorists, public transport operators, manufacturers, farmers, businesses, investors and all consumers that there is adequate fuel across the country and that the Government remains steadfast in ensuring that that particular situation continues to obtain for the long haul.”
The ministry reiterated that it will continue monitoring developments in global energy markets while ensuring reliable fuel supplies and keeping the public informed of any significant changes.