Petroleum association boss says govt has no control over fuel stocks
By Mustafa Juma, April 21, 2026The Chairman of the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK), Martin Chomba, has sparked fresh debate over the country’s fuel supply dynamics after stating that the government does not own or control petroleum stocks within Kenya.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during an interview with a local TV station, Chomba clarified that all petroleum products in the country are held by private oil marketing companies, limiting the government’s direct influence over supply levels.
“The government does not own even one litre of petroleum in this country. It is all in the hands of the private sector, which answers to shareholders,” he said.
Fuel supply
According to Chomba, Kenya operates a liberalised petroleum market, where private companies import, store, and distribute fuel.
He explained that the government’s role is largely confined to regulating pricing through set frameworks, overseeing logistics and supply chains, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
This structure, he noted, means the State cannot directly dictate how much fuel companies release into the market at any given time.
Defence of oil marketers
Chomba also pushed back against accusations that oil marketers may be hoarding fuel to manipulate prices or create artificial shortages.
He argued that such claims fail to take into account the realities of a private-sector-driven market, where companies must balance supply decisions with commercial considerations.
“You cannot indict oil marketers for hoarding when they are operating within a system driven by business and shareholder interests,” he stated.
“The government only regulates logistics.”
Fuel shortage concerns
His remarks come at a time when parts of the country have recently reported intermittent fuel shortages, triggering public anxiety and political criticism.
Consumers have raised concerns over unpredictable availability of fuel at filling stations, rising costs of transport and basic commodities, and perceived lack of government intervention.
The situation has further fuelled public debate, especially as Kenyans grapple with a high cost of living.
There has been a rising public dissatisfaction over the high cost of living, particularly fuel prices, which have sparked planned demonstrations led largely by young people, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
As Kenyans plan to take to the streets, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for restraint from security agencies.
The young people have vowed to take to the streets over the rising fuel prices and cost-of-living concerns.
Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Monday, April 20, 2026, Gachagua said that young people have a constitutional right to peaceful protest and urged government officials to avoid excessive force during the anticipated demonstrations.