Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has attributed the recent fuel shortage reported in several parts of the country to a technical and administrative hitch affecting sections of the downstream petroleum supply chain.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Wandayi said the disruption temporarily interfered with the ability of some oil marketing companies to efficiently uptake and distribute petroleum products, resulting in shortages at selected filling stations.
He explained that the hitch affected normal operations within the supply chain, slowing deliveries and causing localized stockouts in various towns, including Nairobi.
“The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum wishes to inform the public that the temporary fuel supply challenges experienced in isolated filling stations in some parts of the country arose from a technical and administrative hitch,” Wandayi said.
He added that the issue curtailed the optimal uptake of fuel products by a number of oil marketers operating within the downstream network.
The ministry did not disclose specific details about the technical failure or identify the companies affected, but assured Kenyans that corrective measures had already been implemented.
Motorists face queues as supply normalises
According to the ministry, the situation has since been resolved, with authorities working closely with industry stakeholders to restore normal fuel distribution across the country.
“The matter has since been resolved, and the Ministry is working closely with industry stakeholders to normalise deliveries. Fuel restocking in various filling stations is underway, and normal supply across the country will be attained by the end of the day,” Wandayi said.
The shortage triggered widespread concern among motorists, particularly in Nairobi, where drivers were forced to move from one station to another in search of petrol and diesel.
Long queues were reported in several parts of the city, with some filling stations running out of fuel entirely while others introduced limits on the amount motorists could purchase.
Public transport operators also reported delays, raising fears of possible disruptions to daily commuting and business operations.
Despite the challenges, the government maintained that the country has sufficient fuel reserves and urged the public to remain calm.
“There is no cause for alarm. The country has adequate fuel stock,” Wandayi said.
The developments come days after the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry announced a temporary adjustment to national fuel quality standards in response to global supply pressures.
On 30 April 2026, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui approved a six-month waiver allowing higher sulphur limits in imported fuel to ensure steady supply.
The adjustment raised the maximum sulphur content to 50mg/kg for automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit under previous fuel specifications.
Officials said the move was necessary to balance supply stability with consumer protection and economic considerations amid ongoing global disruptions.
“This measure is temporary and intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption,” the ministry said in an earlier statement.
The waiver is expected to be reviewed after six months or earlier if global supply conditions improve.
Energy sector analysts warn that even brief disruptions in fuel distribution can have a ripple effect on transport, food prices and overall economic activity, particularly in an import dependent market like Kenya.
Authorities said they are monitoring the situation closely and working with industry players to prevent a recurrence of similar disruptions.
By Wednesday afternoon, some filling stations in Nairobi had begun receiving fresh supplies, signaling a gradual return to normal operations.
