Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has addressed concerns over reported fuel shortages in parts of the country, assuring that the situation was temporary and already under government intervention.

Speaking in the Senate plenary session on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the CS explained that the disruptions affecting select fuel stations were not widespread, noting that most parts of the country continued to receive normal petroleum supplies, attributing the shortages to a brief operational disruption within the fuel distribution chain, which affected how some companies accessed products.

“The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum wishes to inform the public that the temporary fuel supply challenges experienced in isolated filling stations in some parts of the country arose from a technical and administrative hitch,” Wandayi clarified.

“This curtailed the optimal uptake of petroleum products by a few oil marketing companies operating in the downstream of the supply chain.”

The CS told Senators that the situation had since been corrected, with coordination ongoing between the Ministry and industry players to restore normal distribution. He noted that supply recovery efforts were already in progress across affected regions.

“Fuel restocking in various filling stations is underway, and normal supply across the country will be attained by the end of the day today,” Wandayi assured.

To calm public concern, Wandayi emphasised that Kenya remains well stocked and capable of meeting national fuel demand, dismissing fears of a prolonged shortage.

“The Ministry wishes to reassure Kenyans that the country has adequate fuel stocks. There should be no cause for alarm,” he said.

His remarks come amid reports of queues at petrol stations in several towns, with Nairobi among the most affected areas.

For instance, along the Thika Superhighway, motorists were seen waiting for long periods, while some public transport operators reported being turned away due to unavailable fuel.

Despite the disruption, the government maintained that it is committed to ensuring energy security and preventing similar interruptions in the future.

Wandayi also linked the situation to broader tightening in global refined petroleum supplies, particularly in jet fuel and industrial feedstocks, even as crude oil availability remains stable.