Kenya Fuel Crisis: Independent Dealers Threaten Shutdown Over Pricing Dispute

Kenya faces a potential fuel supply crisis as independent petroleum dealers threaten to halt purchases, alleging that major oil marketing companies (OMCs) are charging wholesale prices above the caps set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) and the Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association (KIPEDA) warned that the ongoing pricing dispute could force independent petrol stations nationwide to shut down.

The associations claimed that OMCs have been selling petroleum products above the maximum wholesale rates gazetted by EPRA on October 14. According to the dealers, the practice has persisted since the latest pricing cycle took effect on October 15, leaving independent operators unable to purchase inventory without incurring severe financial losses.

“We advise all independent petroleum operators countrywide to immediately suspend the purchase of petroleum products at rates exceeding the gazetted EPRA wholesale limits,” the joint statement read, warning that stations across the country are already experiencing stock-outs.

Under the current pricing cycle (running from October 15 to November 14), EPRA capped wholesale prices in Nairobi at Ksh211.80 per litre for Super Petrol, Ksh212.60 for Diesel, and Ksh204.79 for Kerosene. However, independent dealers allege that major suppliers are ignoring these statutory limits.

The price review saw retail pump prices in Nairobi rise to Ksh226.96 for Petrol, Ksh227.76 for Diesel, and Ksh219.87 for Kerosene, following the government’s suspension of the fuel stabilization fund.

KIPEDA and POAK have called on EPRA and the Ministry of Energy to enforce compliance against non-compliant OMCs to prevent widespread distribution disruptions.