• The motorists said even after getting fuel, the prices are too high.
• They said a litre of petrol is now retailing between Sh135 and Sh200.
Image: MERCY MUMO
Motorists in Nyamira county have been forced to go to neighbouring Kisii and Homa bay counties in search of fuel.
Most fuelling stations in Nyamira have not had fuel since Friday last week.
“We have been forced to travel to Kisii and Kadongo in Homa Bay to get fuel. We do not understand what is happening," taxi driver in Nyamira town Moses Okari said.
The motorists said even after getting fuel, the prices are too high. They said a litre of petrol is now retailing between Sh135 and Sh200.
They have urged the Energy Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to follow up and ensure they are not exploited by private fuel station owners who are taking advantage of the commodity's scarcity.
"We have no option because we need fuel. We have been forced to raise fares because the fuel prices have been hiked and one has to travel long distances to look for the commodity,” boda boda rider Jared Onkoba said.
The fuel shortage was anticipated to end last week when President Uhuru Kenyatta cleared Sh34 billion payments to oil marketers for their subsidy arrears.
Oil marketing companies were expected to receive the payments by Tuesday last week, according to Petroleum PS Andrew Kamau.
Even so, major players in the oil sector are said to still be hoarding new stocks, anticipating a price increase in this week’s monthly price review.
This will be pegged on global crude that has averaged between $110 and $103 per barrel in the past two weeks.
PS Kamau last week said investigations into the shortage were being finalised, setting the stage for financial penalties and licence withdrawals.
Independent dealers said they are yet to access the petroleum products as major players ration the little stock they have for their own franchisees.
Edited by A.N