Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient petroleum supplies amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement on March 3, CS Opiyo Wandayi said that current petroleum stocks are sufficient to meet both domestic and regional demand.
Further, the CS stated that scheduled imports are planned through the end of April 2026.
“In light of the escalating tensions in the Middle East region where our petroleum products supply is sourced, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has reviewed the supply and stock situation,” read part of the statement.
“As at today, the country has sufficient stocks to cover both the country and the region.”
CS Opiyo Wandayi Addresses Looming Fuel Shortage and Price Hike
Wandayi added that the Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and engaging with government-to-government suppliers for contingency planning.
He reassured the public and stakeholders that the Ministry remains alert and will take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted supply, with updates provided as developments unfold.
This comes amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has intensified tensions across the region and disrupted critical energy routes.
Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz
On March 2, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Senior Adviser Ebrahim Jabari said the Strait of Hormuz is closed, warning that any vessel attempting to pass through will be attacked.
“The strait is closed. If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guard and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze,” Ebrahim Jabbari said.
Speaking on the IRGC’s Telegram channel, Jabbari threatened to target oil pipelines in the region, warning that no oil would be allowed to leave.
Also Read: Oil Prices to Stay High for Days as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Major Supplier
He projected that oil prices could surge to $200.
The IRGC adviser also asserted that the United States, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil and facing massive debt, would be unable to access the region’s petroleum supplies, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy checkpoints, serving as a vital corridor for about one-fifth of global oil exports and large volumes of natural gas.
Also Read: EPRA Reduces Fuel Prices for the February and March Cycle
Global Oil Prices
As of March 2, oil prices have increased as the war between Israel and Iran escalates.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, surged more than 10% over the weekend, reaching over $82 a barrel after at least three vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.
FactSet reported that a barrel of Brent oil traded at $79.41, up 9% from $72.87.
Natural gas prices also spiked by up to 25%.
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