Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Monday responded after he was reprimanded by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday for his utterances on the rising cost of fuel.
The CS firing back at his boss stated that as a minister responsible for the private sector, he had a duty to advise businesses ‘based on science and not truthful voodoo.’
He then reiterated his earlier position that Kenya will not see a reduction in fuel prices in the foreseeable future.
“August fuel stocks will land in October and the cost is well-known and scientific. September shipments will land in November and costs are also known,” he explained why The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will not reduce oil prices.
Kuria added that even after November, Kenyans will not enjoy low fuel prices as it will be winter in the United States with expected stockpiles.
“Then the bilateral arrangements between Saudis and Russia on one side and China and India on the other hand plus ongoing oil cuts,” he added.
Kuria was referring to the agreement made by Saudi Arabia and Russia on September 5, to extend their voluntary oil production cuts through the end of this year.
In the agreement, the two nations will trim 1.3 million barrels of crude out of the global market which is expected to raise energy prices.
Gachagua while appreciating there was a spike in global oil prices, asked government officials not to address the issue arrogantly.
“The Government remains aware of and is sensitive to the challenges Kenyans are facing today; the arrogant statements by a few leaders do not, in any way, reflect the official government position or that of President William Ruto,” he stated.
Kuria had in an earlier public post stated that fuel would retail at Ksh260 by February 2024 and there was nothing concerned Kenyans could do on the matter.
In a further response to Kenyans who were showing frustration with the fuel price spike, he asked the concerned Kenyans to drill their own oil.
On the other hand, economist David Ndii who is Ruto’s advisor, stated that politicians had lied to Kenyans and there was no plan to reduce fuel prices.
