Ignore fuel shortage rumour, says ministry
Aerial view of Kenya Pipeline Company in industrial area, Nairobi. The Ministry of Energy says KPC Nairobi terminal has eight days worth of oil stock. Photo/FREDRICK ONYANGO
Reported cases of fuel shortage around the country are alarmists and could be a ploy by some marketers to adjust pump prices charged to consumers, a ministry has said.
The government insists that its petroleum storage and transportation agency - the Kenya Pipeline Company - has enough stocks although some oil marketers have reportedly run out of supplies.
As a result, some industry players have rushed to adjust pump prices to the chagrin of consumers who once again stand to feel the heat.
Reacting to media reports on Thursday that the country was facing fuel shortage, the Ministry of Energy refuted the claims noting that the KPC Nairobi terminal had eight days worth of stock.
“The ministry would, therefore, wish to advice the general public that the country has adequate stocks and should not panic,” said Mr Paul Ngatia on behalf of PS Mr Patrick Nyoike.
According to information from the ministry, three firms Total Kenya, Shell and OiLibya had each received an average of 80,000 litres over the last two days.
Additionally it indicated that KPC had 11.2 million litres awaiting request by oil companies for pump over.
At Kipevu Oil Storage Facility, Mr Ngatia noted, super petrol tanks were full and discharge of a further 42 million litres suspended as more storage space is yet to be created.
Expected to arrive
“Besides the industry super petrol ship carrying 26.8 million litres whose tender was awarded to Gapco Kenya is expected to arrive between September 23 and 25,” read the statement.
A common practice among marketers, pump prices are raised at the slightest indication of shortage or swings in the international buying fee per barrel.
Currently, most stations are retailing a litre of super at nearly Sh100.
But the ministry said that while the price of a barrel of crude had increased from Sh5,913 to Sh6,399 the local prices went overboard.
“The huge increase by some marketers is not within the accepted limit and the public is, therefore, advised to fuel in petrol stations posting fair prices,” said Mr Ngatia.
