Energy and Petroleum CS Monica Juma has assured that there is enough fuel reserves to take the country through the next three weeks, amid the fuel shortage being experienced in the country.
Addressing the nation on Thursday, Juma said that normalcy would resume in the country within three days.
“The country has sufficient fuel stocks. We have determined that some players are hoarding fuel with hopes that a review in prices will provide them with a financial windfall,” she said.
“This government will not tolerate any entity or person causing distress or creating an artificial problem. Any entity not ready, able or willing to work within the framework of the laws of Kenya is invited to vacate this market promptly.”
The CS revealed that the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued show-cause orders to oil marketers who failed to meet the required minimum operational stock levels, resulting in stock outs.
“EPRA has issued show-cause letters to all those companies and persons and whoever is found in breach will face stern action,” she added.
The government has also announced that oil marketers who sold below their normal local quota during the crisis will have their capacity reduced, while those who sold above their normal quota during the crisis will benefit from additional capacity.
“Those who sold less will have their capacity reduced. The rationalization of the petroleum import capacity sharing is aimed at creating a healthy balance between transit and local volume,” she said.
“We have determined that some players have been hoarding these products, speculating that a price review on the 14th of April would provide them with a cash windfall,” the CS added.
Some players have also been accused of diverting cargo destined for local use for exports within the region in order to reap abnormal profits.
