Motorists Cry Foul as Petrol Stations Allegedly Lock Out Public Service Vehicles
A sense of deep unease is permeating the country as a persistent fuel shortage transitions from a minor inconvenience into a full-scale economic crisis. Across major towns and rural outposts alike, the sight of “No Fuel” signs at petrol stations has become a grim daily reality. This scarcity is not merely a logistical hiccup; it is a disruptive force that is beginning to paralyze the movement of goods and people. From the capital of Nairobi to the agricultural hubs of Narok, the shortage is creating a ripple effect that threatens to drive up the cost of basic commodities, as transporters struggle to find the fuel necessary to keep supply chains moving.
The crisis has taken a particularly dark turn in regions like Kajiado, where the desperation of motorists has birthed an opportunistic black market. Reports have emerged of petrol being sold in informal settings for as much as Sh450 per liter—a staggering figure that is nearly double the regulated price. This localized inflation is forcing many Kenyans to make impossible choices, with some motorists opting to abandon their vehicles on the roadside or suspend their businesses entirely. The phenomenon is no longer just about the price at the pump; it is about the accessibility of a resource that powers the very heart of the Kenyan economy.
Perhaps most frustrating for the public are the widespread allegations of artificial scarcity. Motorists and public service vehicle (PSV) operators have raised alarms over suspected hoarding by some oil marketers and retailers. There are growing claims that certain stations are deliberately withholding stock in anticipation of a significant price hike in the upcoming monthly review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). In some instances, witnesses have reported station attendants refusing to fill car tanks while simultaneously selling fuel to individuals with jerrycans behind closed doors, fueling a thriving but illegal secondary market.
The impact on the Boda Boda and Matatu sectors has been devastating. For thousands of youth who depend on daily earnings from transport, the shortage has turned into a fight for survival. Many riders spend more time queuing at stations than they do carrying passengers, leading to a massive drop in daily income that supports millions of households. As fuel becomes a rare commodity, the “limit” or daily target required to pay off motorcycle loans and buy food has become increasingly unattainable, pushing many families toward the brink of financial ruin.
As the government prepares to release its latest fuel price schedule, the political and social pressure is mounting. The public outcry for the reintroduction of fuel subsidies has reached a fever pitch, with many arguing that without state intervention, the country faces a period of runaway inflation. There are also calls for more stringent monitoring of petrol stations to ensure that available stock is sold fairly and transparently. For the average Kenyan, the hope is for a decisive policy shift that prioritizes price stability and eliminates the predatory hoarding practices currently undermining the energy sector.