Shell Announces Fuel Shortage at Petrol Stations Across Kenya

In a public statement issued on Thursday, March 26, Shell Kenya said the shortages were caused by a sharp increase in demand for fuel, which led to temporary stock‑outs at some of its service stations.

The statement, released by Vivo Energy Kenya, the company that distributes and markets Shell products in the country, said the situation has affected parts of the Shell retail network but stressed that the shortages are temporary.

Shell Announces Fuel Shortage

The announcement comes as motorists in several locations reported difficulty accessing fuel, forcing long queues at stations with available supplies while other outlets turned away customers.

Some drivers said they had to move between stations in search of petrol or diesel, raising concern over wider supply disruptions.

“We have recently experienced increased demand for our products, which has resulted in temporary stock-outs at some service stations. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and working continuously to replenish affected sites as quickly as possible,” read part of the statement by Shell Kenya.

Shell operates one of the largest fuel retail networks in Kenya, serving private motorists, public transport operators, logistics companies, and other essential sectors.

Any disruption within the network often has an immediate impact due to the high number of customers who rely on Shell stations daily.

Fuel Crisis in the Country

The Ministry of Energy confirmed that Kenya maintains sufficient national fuel reserves, attributing current shortages to distribution challenges rather than an actual lack of supply.

Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the government is implementing contingency measures, including alternative import arrangements to stabilize deliveries.

The CS issued warnings to suppliers against hoarding or delaying distribution, insisting that any withholding of fuel stocks would breach licensing regulations and attract penalties.

The government also announced closer monitoring of fuel transport and storage to prevent localized disruptions and ensure continuous availability across retail outlets.

Meanwhile, motorists and transport operators report that panic buying and speculative accumulation have driven effective retail costs higher, even without formal price hikes.

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Transport fares have increased in several regions, reflecting rising fuel costs.

The ministry further noted that fuel instability is amplifying inflationary pressures, as petrol and diesel are critical for logistics, public transport, and food distribution chains across the country.

The government reiterated its commitment to maintain supply and curb economic disruptions.

Global Fuel Crisis

Global fuel markets are under pressure due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20 % of the world’s crude and LNG.

Supply disruptions could remove 13–14 million barrels per day from global markets. Fuel prices, including jet fuel, have surged, prompting airlines to raise surcharges. Europe faces potential shortages within weeks, while households and businesses worldwide experience rising energy costs.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends demand-side measures to ease pressure, warning that sustained high oil prices above $150 (Ksh19,425) per barrel could trigger a global economic slowdown or shutdown.