The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued a statement following a fuel shortage that is being witnessed in several parts of the North Rift and Western Kenya.
According to a statement by the authority’s Corporate Communications, the shortage was a result of ‘unprecedented logistical constraints’.
The constraints, EPRA said, have caused independent petroleum dealers to run out of fuel stock.
“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,” the authority said in part of the statement.
It also noted that the issue of supply had been resolved and that all stakeholders were working towards ensuring normalcy in the sector returns.
“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,” the statement said.
“We assure the public that there are enough fuel supplies in the country and that there should be no cause to panic,” EPRA added.
Fuel shortage was reported in Eldoret, Kapsabet, Iten, and Turkana, causing panic among motorists.
The few petrol stations that still had petrol and diesel in the region witnessed long queues as the motorists scrambled for the commodity.
Some of the petrol station traders in Eldoret said Kenya Pipeline was to blame for the situation.
“They are telling us they don’t have enough fuel so whatever order we place, they supply less that does not last long enough,” a trader told Uasin Gishu News.
The fuel shortage is now threatening to add more pain to Kenyans who are already feeling the heat of high-cost living.
