The government has launched a crackdown targetting fuel operators who increased prices during the three weeks the country suffered a major shortage.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, in a statement dated Tuesday, April 19, indicated that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was probing companies that tampered with fuel prices contrary to government orders.
According to the Ministry, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) found four petrol stations that were selling the commodity above the recommended retail price.
The government now says it will take stern action against the four fuel stations that are located in Migori, Kehancha, Awendo and Isebania areas.
"In reference to action on non-compliant Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and retail station operators, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced investigations on companies that were reported not to maintain minimum operational stocks or to hoard petroleum in the past two weeks.
"EPRA acting on intelligence reports found 4 retail stations offering petroleum for sale above the recommended price. The stations were located at Migori, Kehancha, Awendo and Isebania," the statement read in part.
The Ministry asked Kenyans to report cases of violations in fuel prices by stations and vowed immediate action including possible withdrawal of the operations licenses.
"Stern action will be taken against the operators and on this note. Consumers have been encouraged to immediately report any price non-compliant retail stations to EPRA for action."
The Petroleum Ministry further noted that the government was still carrying out import reallocations as had been announced the CS Monica Juma last week.
"The process of reallocation of import capacities amongst OMCs is ongoing and will be completed by April 21, 2022," the Ministry of Energy stated, pledging to continue working with all stakeholders in the petroleum sector to sustain the current efforts.
Oil marketers had presented several demands to the government, including the release of the Ksh13 billion oil subsidy fund owed to them since January amid the fuel shortage.
During this period, the price review by EPRA for the period between April 15 and May 14, the price of a litre of super petrol increased by Ksh9.90 to a pump retail price of Ksh144.62.
Diesel retails at Ksh125.50 while Kerosene is sold at Ks113.44 per litre. Diesel and kerosene costs also increased by the same margin of Ksh9.90 per litre. The government offered a subsidy of Ksh29.08 for a litre of super petrol, Ksh40.24 for a litre of diesel and Ksh26.45 for a litre of Kerosene.
