Wandayi warns oil companies over withholding fuel supplies
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 25, 2026Petroleum and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has warned oil marketing companies against hoarding fuel as global prices remain unstable due to the Middle East conflict.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Wandayi said the government had “noted with concern, indeed grave concern” reports that some companies were withholding fuel stocks in anticipation of price changes. He stressed that such behaviour breaches licensing rules and goes against the public interest.
“Notwithstanding the stable supply position that I’ve just highlighted, we note with concern… reports of product hoarding and speculative withholding of stocks by some oil marketing companies,” he said.
He described the conduct as “commercially opportunistic” and warned firms that they must release fuel at prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). He reminded all licensed companies of their legal duty to maintain continuous supply across the country.
“So all licensed oil marketing companies are strongly reminded of their legal obligation to maintain continuous supply and release products at EPRA-gazetted prices,” Wandayi added.
Global crisis fuels volatility
The warning comes at a time when global oil markets remain volatile. Prices have surged in recent weeks following the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The situation worsened after Iran moved to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that carries about 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas.
Brent crude recently climbed above Ksh12,960 ($100) per barrel, raising fears of supply shortages and higher fuel costs worldwide. Although prices briefly dipped below Ksh12,960 ($100) after reports of possible peace talks, uncertainty remains high as both Washington and Tehran give conflicting signals.
Industry leaders have already raised concerns. Shell’s chief executive, Wael Sawan, warned that shortages could begin to affect Europe as early as April. Businesses in several regions have also reported rising costs linked to energy prices.
In Kenya, the government insists that supply remains stable for now. However, Wandayi made it clear that any attempt by local firms to exploit the situation will attract serious penalties.
“Oil marketing companies are well aware of the conditions that come with their licences and they must not engage in any unorthodox practices,” he said. “Any unethical practices to take advantage of the current situation… would invite very serious sanctions.”
Fuel shortage?
Wandayi also moved to calm public fears, insisting that there is no fuel shortage in the country.
“In a nutshell, there’s no shortage of fuel in the country. Our systems, from importation through storage and pipeline distribution to the retail network, are functioning as required,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to remain calm and avoid panic buying, warning against the use of jerry cans at petrol stations.
“There’s no need really to go to a petrol station with a jerry can… first and foremost, it’s very, very unsafe. Secondly, it also risks compromising the quality of the product,” he added.