President Ruto warns local oil marketers against creating artificial fuel shortage

Speaking during the signing of bilateral agreements between Kenya and Mozambique at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, March 26, the Head of State said authorities are closely monitoring players in the petroleum sector to ensure compliance with licensing conditions.

“We have also been very clear to our oil marketers and those who have storage capabilities that the Government of Kenya is not going to entertain any artificial shortages that are meant to benefit profiteers," Ruto stated. 

"We are going to be very careful working with all the stakeholders to make sure every participant works with the conditions of their licensing so that we don’t exacerbate or accelerate the negative effects, but instead we work together to mitigate and minimise the effects."

The President noted that consultations are ongoing with stakeholders in the fuel industry to cushion the country from global shocks, particularly the ongoing crisis between Iran, the United States and Israel, which has raised concerns over fuel supply and pricing.

“We’re already consulting with all stakeholders in the fuel industry on the interventions necessary for us to forestall any serious effect that the challenge of the Middle East crisis poses,” he stated.

Further, Ruto emphasised the need for regional integration in Africa to shield the continent from external shocks. 

“The rise in protectionism, ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and conflict in the Middle East underscore the urgent need for Africa to strengthen unity and accelerate regional integration to better shield our economies and societies from external shocks,” he noted. 

The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of fuel supply chains, with the government seeking to stabilise the market and protect consumers from price volatility linked to global events.

Recently, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi revealed that the country's national fuel reserves are adequate to withstand the Middle East crisis. 

"These stocks are sufficient to meet the national demand against our daily consumption," he stated during a press briefing on March 25, 2026.