Fuel rationing in Kenya is causing shortages particularly of diesel and kerosene at gas stations across the country. From the regions of the north and the Rift Valley, which according to a statement of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) are the most affected by the shortage of gas, petrol and diesel in recent days, now the problem seems to have arrived also on the coast and in Mombasa yesterday was hunting for a full tank, also because prices in the port city are slightly lower (Kes. 132 per liter) than in other areas (in Naivasha, for example, and on the border with Tanzania Kes. 136). But looming over a broader crisis, wholesale suppliers of fuel, for farms or farm machinery, are already selling at prices that are way off the market.
"We are facing a fuel shortage," revealed one Mombasa gasoline pump operator to The Star newspaper We placed an order on Monday, but until today we have not received it. We only have fuel that can last four days and if we run out of it, we won't get it.
From EPRA, however, comes optimism: "Together with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines, oil traders and other industry stakeholders have resolved the issues surrounding the supply and are working towards the restoration of normalcy across the country," reads a statement. "We assure the public that there is enough fuel supply in the country and there should be no reason for panic.
The supply of oil and gas and related price increases have been reported in recent weeks as one of the possible side effects in Africa of the war declared by Russia on Ukraine. The next ones could involve corn meal and seed oil. For now, supermarkets are abundant, but it will be necessary to see the situation at Easter.