A section of Kenyans has expressed frustration after some petrol stations repotedly began rationing fuel ahead of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) fuel price review.
Taking to social media, consumers revealed that stations are limiting the amount of fuel per customer and enforcing strict payment methods, causing inconvenience.
Others said they have been forced to wake up early in the morning to fill a full tank before the review.
An X user, @terrikibiriti, revealed that an outlet along Ngong Road has set a maximum fuel refill at KSh 2,000, with only cash payments accepted.
“Fuel rationing maximum of Ksh 2,000, and they are only taking cash,” she posted.
Her post drew attention, with other users sharing their own experiences. Another user, @kenyanthoughts, wrote: “That’s how it is. They want to wait for the home tonight. I refuelled yesterday.”
On her part, @JoyceMw27159977 chimed in, stating: “I woke up at 6 am to fuel full tank.”
At the same time, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) called out Ola Energy after their Matunda, Moi’s Bridge station ran out of fuel, accusing it of hoarding to sell at higher prices after the EPRA review.
“Dear @KenyaOla, Why is your Matunda, Moi’s Bridge station out of fuel? You are hoarding for better prices from midnight, or you are affected as a result of the Iran War?” COFEK posed.
Also Read: Global Oil Price Rise: What Kenyans Should Expect Ahead of the EPRA Review
Surge in Global Oil Prices
This comes amid the conflict in the Middle East, which has had significant impacts on global oil and gas markets, with major implications for energy security, energy affordability, and the global economy.
Global oil markets have been extremely volatile since the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on 28 February, with Brent crude reaching almost $120 a barrel earlier this week.
The conflict has pushed up fuel prices around the world.
Brent crude rose by more than 9% in Asian trading to surpass $100 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures jumped toward $95 per barrel on Thursday, March 12, marking a second straight session of gains.
This was despite an announcement by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that its 32 member countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, marking the biggest coordinated drawdown since the agency was created in the aftermath of the 1973 oil embargo.
Also Read: Iraq Joins Iran in Disrupting Global Oil Supply
The surge in prices comes as persistent concerns over the ongoing tensions involving Iran continue to overshadow efforts by major economies to stabilize the market through a coordinated release of oil reserves.
Iraq halted operations at its oil terminals after two oil tankers were targeted in Iraqi waters.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran warned that oil prices could surge to $200 per barrel as its attacks on ships intensify in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Shell petrol station in busia along busia-kisumu highway stopped selling fuel since yesterday 13th.march 2026. They are waiting for the new higher prices before they resume selling fuel alleging that they are out of stock.