Kenya’s independent fuel retailers say hundreds of outlets are running short of supply due to the ongoing war involving Iran, warning that about 20 percent of fuel stations are already affected.
The shortage comes after the country’s energy regulator froze pump prices despite rising global oil costs, putting pressure on suppliers.
Martin Chomba, chairman of the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK), told Reuters that dealers may begin hoarding petroleum products ahead of an expected price increase next month.
Kenya relies entirely on fuel imports from the Middle East through government-to-government agreements with Gulf producers and refiners.
“We have constrained supply,” Chomba said, noting that his association represents retailers and transporters handling about 68 percent of the national market.
He warned that if tensions in the Middle East persist, the situation could escalate into a nationwide fuel crisis within two weeks.
Earlier, on March 14, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) kept fuel prices unchanged for 30 days despite a surge in international crude oil prices.