Kenya fuel crisis looms as independent dealers threaten supply halt

Independent petroleum dealers in Kenya have threatened to suspend fuel purchases from oil marketing companies, warning of potential nationwide shortages. The Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya and the Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association issued a joint statement on October 27, 2026, accusing suppliers of charging wholesale prices that exceed the limits set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

The dispute stems from the October 15 pricing cycle. Dealers argue that oil marketing companies are ignoring the regulated wholesale caps, which has squeezed profit margins and led to stock-outs at several independent stations. For example, in Nairobi, the maximum wholesale prices were set at KSh211.80 for super petrol, KSh212.60 for diesel, and KSh204.79 for kerosene.

Industry associations have urged the State Department for Petroleum and EPRA to intervene, stating that independent operators are being forced to choose between operating at a loss or suspending business entirely.