NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26 – Vivo Energy Kenya, which runs Shell brands in Kenya, has attributed the recent fuel shortages at some of its stations to stock-outs caused by increased demand from motorists.
However, the fuel provider says it is working to replenish affected facilities as soon as possible.
“We appreciate your continued patronage and apologize for the inconvenience caused. We remain fully committed to serving our customers reliably and ensuring that our service stations and the essential services that depend on us stay supplied,” Vivo said in a statement.
Motorists in Kenya have been stocking fuel in anticipation of expected price increases and possible scarcity amid the ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which have disrupted supply chains.
Iran has warned it could target ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that handles about 20 percent of global oil and gas shipments.
The development comes after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi warned Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) against hoarding fuel, cautioning that offenders risk losing their licences.
He added that the government has noted cases of firms withholding stocks in anticipation of price increases driven by global market disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.
Wandayi maintained that Kenya has adequate fuel reserves, with the Kenya Pipeline Company holding 102 million litres of petrol, 146 million litres of diesel and 167 million litres of kerosene/Jet A-1.
