[PHOTOS] Motorists, riders scramble for fuel as shortage bites

The State has directed oil marketers to immediately release petroleum supplies

In Summary

•The escalating fuel shortage in the country forced the government to summon oil marketers for a weekend-long meeting in a bid to resolve the stalemate. 

•Oil marketers have presented several demands to the government, including the immediate release of the Sh13 billion oil subsidy fund owed to them since January.

by STAR REPORTER
InPictures
04 April 2022 - 09:41
Some boda boda riders and motorists throng a petrol station in Homa Bay for fuel on March 31, 2022.
Some boda boda riders and motorists throng a petrol station in Homa Bay for fuel on March 31, 2022.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO

The government on Saturday directed all oil marketers to immediately release petroleum supplies, to ward off the ongoing fuel crisis or face sanctions.

“OMCs, depot, and retail station operators are hereby cautioned that in accordance with Section 99(1)(k) and 99(1)(n) of the Petroleum Act 2019, it is an offense punishable by law to hoard petroleum or to sell above the published price,” EPRA said in a statement.  

Riders and motorist queue at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31.
Riders and motorist queue at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO

The escalating fuel shortage in the country forced the government to summon oil marketers for a weekend-long meeting in a bid to resolve the stalemate. 

Oil marketers have presented several demands to the government, including the immediate release of the Sh13 billion oil subsidy fund owed to them since January.

Some boda boda riders and motorists throng a petrol station in Homa Bay for fuel on March 31, 2022.
Some boda boda riders and motorists throng a petrol station in Homa Bay for fuel on March 31, 2022.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO

A top official of an international oil marketing firm who attended the meetings held on Saturday and Sunday told the Star in confidence that they are also not happy with the government's threats to sanction them for hoarding. 

The fuel crisis has been experienced across the country.
The fuel crisis has been experienced across the country.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO

A spot check by the Star noticed long queues at almost all petrol stations along Limuru Road, Mombasa Road and Waiyaki Way in Nairobi.

Boda boda riders and motorists scramble for fuel at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31,2022.
Boda boda riders and motorists scramble for fuel at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31,2022.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Boda boda riders and motorists scramble for fuel at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31,2022.
Boda boda riders and motorists scramble for fuel at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31,2022.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Boda boda riders and motorists wait for fuel at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31,2022.
Boda boda riders and motorists wait for fuel at a petrol station in Homa Bay on March 31,2022.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO

MORE:

There is enough fuel stocks, KPC tells motorists

"Our global stock holding is adequate to serve the region."
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2 years ago

MPs want licenses of firms hoarding fuel cancelled

Ochieng says they will summon Energy CS Monica Juma to question her on the petroleum products menace
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2 years ago

Government, OMCs row intensifies as fuel shortage bites

Government owes oil marketers at least Sh13 billion
Business
2 years ago
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by STAR REPORTER
InPictures
04 April 2022 - 09:41

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