The government has sought to allay public fears over a potential fuel price increase following escalating tensions in the Middle East that have rattled global oil markets.
In a statement dated March 3, 2026, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the government had reviewed the country’s fuel supply and stock levels amid rising concerns linked to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
“In light of the escalating tensions in the Middle East region where our petroleum products supply is sourced, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has reviewed the supply and stock situation and wishes to advise as follows,” read part of the statement.
The Ministry assured the public that Kenya currently has sufficient fuel stocks to meet both domestic and regional demand. It further noted that scheduled imports are secured up to the end of April 2026, guaranteeing continued supply despite global uncertainties.
“We are closely monitoring the fluid situation as it evolves while engaging with our government-to-government suppliers for contingency planning,” the statement added.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability in the energy sector, emphasizing that it remains vigilant and ready to take necessary measures to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply.
“We wish to assure the public and all stakeholders that the Ministry remains alert and shall continue taking necessary actions to ensure there is an uninterrupted supply. The Ministry undertakes to keep the country sufficiently updated,” said the CS.
CS Mbadi Warns of Possible Higher Fuel Prices
The Energy CS’s statement came just hours after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi cautioned that global oil prices could rise sharply if tensions in the Middle East worsen.
Appearing before a parliamentary committee on March 2, 2026, Mbadi warned that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel poses a “severe threat” to global oil supply chains, which could translate into higher fuel prices locally.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping lane that handles roughly 20% of global oil flows—warning that any closure or disruption could trigger a surge in international crude prices.
Mbadi noted that Kenya, as a net importer of petroleum, remains highly vulnerable to such “geopolitical tremors,” adding that any global price spikes would inevitably cascade down to local pump prices in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
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