Fuel Fears Grip Kenya as Shell Stations Run Dry Amid Iran Tensions

Vivo Energy Kenya has confirmed temporary fuel stock-outs at major Shell service stations across the country. The company says the shortages are linked to rising demand caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has disrupted oil imports from the Gulf region.

In a statement on March 26, Vivo Energy said the situation is being closely monitored. “We have recently experienced increased demand for our products, which has resulted in temporary stock-outs at some service stations. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and working continuously to replenish affected sites as quickly as possible,” the company explained. Drivers in Nairobi and Mombasa have reported long queues, with some stations running dry for hours.

The stock-outs have sparked tension with the government. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi accused oil marketers of hoarding fuel in anticipation of price changes. “That conduct is commercially opportunistic, contrary to the public interest and is in direct breach of licensing obligations,” he said. He reminded all licensed companies of their duty to maintain continuous supply and sell at gazetted prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Despite the shortages, the government maintains Kenya has adequate fuel reserves. Fuel prices remain unchanged, with Nairobi motorists paying KSh178.28 for petrol, KSh166.54 for diesel, and KSh152.78 for kerosene. Mombasa prices are slightly lower, with petrol at KSh175.00 and diesel at KSh163.26.

Vivo Energy leads Kenya’s fuel market with a 20.56% share, followed by TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya Plc at 14.01% and Rubis Energy Kenya Plc at 13.77%. With 149 licensed oil marketers in the country, authorities insist supply should remain stable, though sporadic shortages are likely to continue amid unpredictable global oil markets.

For now, motorists are urged to stay calm and plan ahead. Analysts say the crisis highlights the fragility of fuel supply chains and the risks of panic buying, hoarding, and geopolitical tensions on everyday life in Kenya.