NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has moved to calm public concern over fuel availability after isolated shortages were reported in select filling stations across the country, attributing the disruption to a temporary technical and administrative hitch in the supply chain.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said the issue had affected the optimal uptake of petroleum products by a few oil marketing companies operating within the downstream distribution system.
The ministry, however, assured Kenyans that the situation has been resolved and that fuel restocking is already underway across affected stations.
“The matter has since been resolved, and the Ministry is working closely with industry stakeholders to normalize deliveries,” the statement read. “Normal supply across the country will be attained by the end of the day today.”
Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Opiyo Wandayi dismissed fears of a nationwide shortage, insisting that the country holds sufficient petroleum stocks to meet demand.
“There should be no cause for alarm,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to safeguarding national energy security and ensuring uninterrupted supply for households, businesses, and industries.
Fuel supply chains in Kenya are typically coordinated through a network of importation, storage, and distribution systems involving multiple stakeholders, including oil marketing companies and regulatory oversight bodies.
Any disruption within the chain can temporarily affect availability at retail stations, even when national reserves remain adequate.
The ministry did not disclose the specific technical or administrative issues behind the disruption but indicated that corrective measures have been implemented to prevent recurrence.
Officials say continued coordination with private sector players is essential to maintaining a stable supply and avoiding panic-driven demand spikes, which can exacerbate temporary shortages.
The ministry’s assurance comes as Kenyans closely monitor fuel prices and availability, with any disruption having immediate ripple effects on transport costs and commodity pricing.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, stating that monitoring systems remain active to ensure uninterrupted fuel distribution across the country.
