Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the country has adequate fuel stocks despite reports of shortages in parts of the region amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
CS Wandayi, who inspected petrol stations in Nairobi and Machakos counties, said the government will keep working to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply. He urged the public to remain calm as officials monitor distribution.
He also said Kenyans could soon see lower pump prices once global conditions stabilize.
“All our storage facilities and the pipeline are full of petroleum products. As a matter of fact, vessels and ships are lining up at the port waiting to discharge, and that tells you that in terms of the supply chain, normalcy has returned because of the measures the government has put in place,” he said.
While Wandayi acknowledged the challenge of rising fuel prices, which has reduced Kenyans’ purchasing power, he said the impact will ease because the situation stems from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He said that once stability returns, pump prices will fall.
“Even though we cannot predict how the situation in the Middle East will end or when it will end, we are sure that when it ends, the benefits that will accrue will trickle down to consumers in Kenya in the fullness of time,” he noted.
As Kenyans protested after fuel prices increased, the Cabinet Secretary urged the public to remain calm and asked opposition leaders to respond patriotically. He said politicians should not use the fuel crisis to gain political advantage.
“Such incidents must be a thing of the past. As we move forward, let us exercise responsibility. Even politicians, whether in government or not, must understand that we are one country,” Wandayi stated.
Wandayi also assured Kenyans of both sufficient fuel quantities and compliance with quality standards. He warned players in the sector against hoarding fuel in anticipation of further price hikes, saying the government will take action against any offenders.
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