Kenyans have raised questions over the increase in fuel prices in Kenya while the neighboring country Tanzania continues to lower pump prices.
A notice by Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy released on November 1, indicated that the prices of petrol, diesel and Kerosene would decrease significantly following a decrease in world oil prices by 5.68 per cent.
Additionally, the statement indicated that there was a decrease in premiums for the importation of petroleum products by 13 per cent and economic sanctions in Russia.
“Changes in prices of petroleum products in November 2023 are mainly due to the decrease in the world oil price by an average of 5.68%,
“And a decrease in premiums for the importation of petroleum products by an average of 13% for PMS and 25% for AGO, reduction of production of petroleum products by OPEC+ and economic sanctions on Russia,” the statement read in part.
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Reactions From Kenyans on Tanzania Prices
Notably, the announcement came even as Kenya’s Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced on Monday, November 6, that petrol prices would hit a record high of Ksh300 per litre.
Subsequently, Kenyans have questioned the metrics used by the government to determine fuel prices seeing as Tanzania’s prices were informed by global changes.
Some wondered whether Kenya was not affected by the global decrease in oil prices as indicated by Tanzania.
“Meanwhile in Tanzania, fuel prices are going down due to a decrease in world oil prices by 5.68%, they must live in a different world,” Raila Odinga Junior stated.
Also, others concluded that the government was feeding Kenyans with lies demanding that the government comes clean on the real situation.
“It is clear we are being led by a clique of liters. They know the World prices have reduced but they lie blatantly on our faces. It only means one thing, we are doomed,” another user added.
Also Read: CS Chirchir Hints at Looming Record High Petrol Prices
CBK Contradicts CS Chirchir’s Explanation on Increased Fuel Prices
A November 3, report by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) indicated that the international oil prices had declined because of the impact of the war between Israel and Palestine.
“International oil prices declined during the week ending November 2, due to the disspating impact of the war between Israel and Palestine.
“Murban oil price declined to USD81.24 per barrel on November 2, from USD 90.23 per barrel on October 26,” the report read in part.
However, that contradicts a statement by Energy CS Davis ChirChir who indicated that oil prices had increased globally because of the war between Israel and Palestine.
Notably, Chirchir was speaking during the National Dialogue Committee Proceedings at the Bomas of Kenya.
“I read an article in the financial time that because of the Hamas and Israeli war, the international prices could go up to 150 USD and that would literally mean our product going to a high of Ksh300 per litre.
“We hope it doesn’t get there. These are products that are real drivers of inflation and so we are working on it on a day-to-day basis to make sure that though it is a global challenge, we obtain the best pricing for our country,” he stated.
Kenyans Rushing to Tanzania for Fuel
In September 2023, Kenyan motorists decided to find their way to Tanzania to purchase cheaper fuel that was selling at cheaper prices.
A liter of petrol in Tanzania was Kshs193 while diesel sold for Kshs196 per liter compared to Kshs.211.64 and Ksh200.99 respectively in Kenya.
In the latest report, a litre of petrol in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania will be selling for Ksh197 while diesel will be sold at Ksh203 as litre. Kerosene will be sold for Ksh206 per litre.
