EPRA Addresses Abrupt Fuel Shortage

An undated image of a petrol station attendant pumping fuel into a car.
A photo of a petrol station attendant pumping fuel into a car in Nairobi County in February 2020.
Photo
Ma3Route

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has attributed the fuel shortage in various parts of the country to logistical constraints. 

In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, EPRA affirmed that the constraints had led to independent petroleum dealers running out of petroleum stocks, occasioning the shortage. 

The authority was responding to the ongoing reports of fuel shortages in parts of North Rift and Western Kenya.

AN Image of  A Fuel Station Attendat Awaiting for the next Vehicle, at Ola Energy in Ruiru. Dated March 20.
AN Image of A Fuel Station Attendat Awaiting for the next Vehicle, at Ola Energy in Ruiru. Dated March 20.
Kenyans.co.ke
Alex Jomo

"Reference is made to the ongoing reported shortage of petroleum products in parts of North Rift and Western Kenya. The shortage is occasioned by unprecedented logistical constraints. These challenges have caused independent petroleum dealers to run out of petroleum stocks," read part of the statement.

The authority assured the public that it was working to fix the issue and ensure adequate fuel supply. 

"EPRA, together with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mining, oil marketers and other sector stakeholders, have resolved the issues affecting supply and are working towards the restoration of normalcy across the country."

"We assure the public that there are enough fuel supplies in the country and that there should be no cause to panic," EPRA stated. 

Social media was awash with reports of fuel shortages affecting various parts of the country. Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) had attributed the shortage to unfair practices in the international market

The association made reference to the ongoing Russia - Ukraine war that saw prices of multiple products hike. 

"We have been experiencing a tough wholesale market where we have grappled with unrealistic prices and artificial shortages, and at times, both scenarios play out," POAK noted. 

An image of a fuel pump at a Nairobi petrol station on July 14, 2021.
An Image of a Fuel pump at a Nairobi Petrol Station on July 14, 2021.
Photo
EPRA