Hundreds of fuel retailers in Kenya are facing shortages due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a sector representative told Reuters.
According to Martin Chomba, about 20% of independent fuel dealers are affected. His association represents retailers, transporters, and other stakeholders that serve 68% of Kenya’s national fuel market.
“We have constrained supply. So far about 20% [of some 3,100 retailers] are affected…[in] two weeks it will be a total crisis with no fuel in most outlets if the tension in the Middle East continues,” Chomba said.
Kenya relies entirely on fuel imports from the Middle East through government-facilitated deals with Gulf producers and refiners. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the country’s sector regulator, recently froze petroleum product prices for 30 days despite rising global oil costs.
Retailers are urging authorities to allow sourcing from private suppliers to prevent further disruption. Global oil prices surged earlier in March as war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupted transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply.
