Motorists in Nairobi are experiencing long queues due to fuel shortages at several petrol stations across the city.
Fuel shortage in the country has been linked to logistical glitches affecting the clearance and offloading of imported fuel cargo at the Port of Mombasa, disrupting normal distribution to fuel stations.
In a spot check by The Kenya Times, Shell fuel station next to Mountain Mall has no fuel, and motorists are redirected to alternative stations.
Nairobi Motorists Hit by Long Queues and Station Stock-Outs
Many petrol stations in Nairobi have either run out of fuel or are operating with limited stocks, forcing motorists to queue for extended periods or find alternative stations with Fuel.
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In Karen, Hurlingham, Kileleshwa, and Kilimani, fuel stations are rationing fuel.
The situation has also triggered panic buying, further straining the already limited supplies and worsening congestion at fuel stations across the city.
Kenyans have reacted to the situation on social media, with some blaming the government for assuring the public of sufficient stock while the situation at the pumps is different.
Clearance Delays at Mombasa Port Disrupt Fuel Imports
Fuel shortage has been linked to logistical hitches and delays in clearing fuel cargo vessels at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya’s main entry point for petroleum imports.
According to reports, several vessels carrying petrol and diesel were delayed over the weekend due to clearance issues with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Delays affected the offloading process at the port, creating a backlog of fuel shipments awaiting entry into the country’s distribution system.
These clearance challenges have slowed down the flow of fuel into the Kenya Pipeline Company network, which supplies inland depots.
As a result, depots have received reduced volumes, directly impacting availability at petrol stations.
Delays at the port are linked to documentation and compliance requirements, including the certification of imported fuel cargo prior to discharge.
Govt Maintains No Fuel Shortage
In April, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum of Kenya, Opiyo Wandayi, together with the Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, assured that Kenya has sufficient petroleum stocks to meet current demand.
Opiyo Wandayi assured Kenyans of a stable, uninterrupted fuel supply for both domestic and regional markets.
He also clarified on the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel procurement frameworks, assuring Kenyans that the arrangements remain stable and beneficial.
Opiyo Wandayi said that the G-to-G fuel deal has cushioned the country against immediate shocks linked to developments in the Gulf and continues to guarantee an adequate supply of petroleum.
Additionally, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that Kenya will have a steady supply of Fuel after facilitating the G2G convention.
President William Ruto also announced that Kenya had secured a fuel supply deal amid the Middle East crisis.
