The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has confirmed a fuel shortage in Nairobi and Machakos after visiting various petrol stations on Thursday, April 9.
According to the agency, many depots are facing long queues for fuel, further exacerbating the situation that has gotten dire in various parts of the country.
On Wednesday, Nairobi petrol station operators warned that their current stocks can only last a few more days, raising fears of an imminent crisis in the capital.
Retailers say deliveries have slowed, leaving them unable to meet growing demand as anxious motorists rush to fill their tanks amid fears of running dry.
EPRA confirmed this, saying the long queues have been sparked by panic buying at fueling stations in some parts of the capital.
“Our Surveillance and Enforcement team from the Nairobi region conducted inspections at various petrol stations in Nairobi and Machakos counties to check compliance and confirm fuel availability,” EPRA said.
Adding, “While most stations had fuel, a few were out of stock but indicated they were awaiting resupply.”
In the capital, both the National Oil Nairobi National Terminal and the Kenya Pipeline Company Nairobi Terminal are located in the Industrial Area, with the KPC facility serving as the primary inland distribution artery linked directly to the Port of Mombasa.
According to EPRA, both depots are currently experiencing delays due to long queues as stations rush to replenish their stocks.
Critically, however, the regulator noted that “No station reported a lack of fuel supply at the depots”, a distinction it says separates a distribution bottleneck from an actual supply crisis.
Last week, sections of motorists reported challenges finding fuel at various petrol stations in Nairobi, with some saying they are being charged Ksh200 per litre of petrol where fuel can be found.
Kenyans.co.ke has since learnt that EPRA remains firm, stressing there is a sufficient fuel supply, and warning Kenyans to avoid panic buying.
“We urge Kenyans to remain calm, as there is a sufficient fuel supply in the country, and to avoid panic buying,” EPRA said on Thursday.
Insisting, “We also remind petroleum dealers that hoarding is an offence punishable by law upon conviction
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