The government moved to calm public concern following recent upheavals in the petroleum sector, including the resignation of several senior officials within the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and its affiliated agencies.
In a statement, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the situation remains firmly under control, emphasizing that swift action had been taken once irregularities in a fuel shipment came to light.
He revealed that authorities halted the delivery of a second cargo under similar conditions, a move aimed at safeguarding public interest.
Wandayi further reassured Kenyans that the country currently holds sufficient petroleum stocks to meet demand, dismissing fears of imminent shortages.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality fuel for both domestic consumption and regional markets.
The Cabinet Secretary also defended the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel procurement framework, noting that it continues to shield the country from volatility linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East.
He described the arrangement as “stable and resilient.”
To address emerging concerns, the Ministry has launched a comprehensive internal review of petroleum product management systems.
The review is intended to strengthen transparency, protect product quality, and reinforce the integrity of the supply chain.
At the same time, the government urged patience as investigations proceed, cautioning against what it termed as a wave of disinformation driven by certain political actors.
Wandayi warned that authorities would not tolerate cartels, profiteers, or individuals seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain.
The statement also disclosed significant pricing discrepancies between two fuel shipments delivered in March.
According to official invoices, petrol supplied by One Petroleum aboard MT Paloma was priced at Sh198,855 per metric ton upon landing in Mombasa.
In contrast, fuel supplied under the G-to-G arrangement by Gulf Energy via MT FOS Mercury cost Sh140,111 per metric ton.
This represents a difference of KSh 58,744 per metric ton—equivalent to approximately KSh 43.4 per litre—making the G-to-G cargo substantially cheaper.
Additionally, the Ministry clarified that Stabex International is not among the oil marketing companies nominated by international oil firms participating in the G-to-G framework.
The government maintained that it is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure continued oversight and operational stability in the petroleum sector as investigations continue.
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