CS Wandayi Warns Fuel Prices Would Rise by Up to KSh14 Per Litre After Rogue Import Breach

Kenyans may face a fuel price increase of up to KSh14 per litre following an unauthorised fuel import, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, has revealed.

The 60,000-metric-tonne consignment of super petrol entered the country outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import framework. Wandayi said the shipment was more expensive, costing KSh198,000 per metric tonne, compared to KSh140,000 under the official arrangement.

“The KSh58,000 difference per metric tonne would have translated into a sharp increase at the pumps,” he warned.

Wandayi emphasised that bypassing the G-to-G system threatens both supply stability and price control. He said the government has acted swiftly to block the consignment from reaching the market.

“I have directed that One Petroleum Ltd, the company that imported the fuel, withdraw all invoices and issue credit notes. Oil marketing companies must not pay or lift this flagged fuel,” he said.

The CS also ordered the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to exclude the consignment from the monthly calculation of petroleum product costs. This move aims to shield consumers from unnecessary price hikes.

Wandayi stressed the importance of following the G-to-G framework strictly. He said it is critical for maintaining stable fuel supply and protecting motorists from artificial shortages.

“The government will remain vigilant. No individual or company will manipulate the market to push up prices unjustly,” he added.

Fuel dealers had earlier warned that prices could reach KSh231.68 per litre in Nairobi during the next pricing cycle on April 14, 2026. This would mark a KSh53.40 increase from current prices, the largest single-month jump in recent years.

Wandayi’s intervention, experts say, may limit the increase to just KSh14 per litre, sparing motorists a sudden shock at the pumps.

As global oil prices continue to rise and local supply remains delicate, the government says it will monitor shipments closely to prevent further disruptions.

“Strict adherence to procedures ensures price stability for Kenyans. This is not optional,” CS Wandayi concluded.