NAIROBI, Kenya, April 14 – Public transport operators have decried the increased fuel prices in the latest monthly review amid the fuel shortage across the country.
Under the new prices issued by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority(EPRA), Super petrol, Diesel and kerosene will retail at Sh144. 62, Sh 125.50 and Sh113.44 respectively.
Speaking to Capital business, Timothy Ndhiwa, a matatu driver said the prices are very high but he won’t increase fare prices because the cost of living is too high.
“I will not add fares to my customers. I understand even customers are also affected because of the hard-economic times as they also don’t have that money. The cost of living will be too high” Ndhiwa said.
Walter Omwenga, another driver, said the lack of fuel will trigger fare hikes as they don’t have other options.
“If you are pressed against the wall, you have to look for other strategies to relieve yourself. Our strategy will be to add fare costs,” Said Omwenga.
Edwin Ochieng, a Bodaboda rider, has asked the members of parliament to reduce fuel prices to allow them to live the day-to-day life smoothly.
Alex Olematonyok, a Taxi driver said the fuel hikes are killing the local mwananchi and has narrated his experience of finding fuel and said this is negligence by the government.
“Last night I went round looking for petrol and couldn’t find it. If I were the government I’d make sure there is fuel in all petrol stations. This is negligence,” said Olematonyok.
Jared Ochieng said the government should look into subsidizing the prices of petrol and fuel for normalcy to be restored.
“The government should subsidize fuel prices. Hiking makes transport become less affordable,” Jared said.
