Outcry as fuel prices hit Ksh250 in parts of the country amid an acute shortage
Fuel prices have hit Ksh250 in parts of the country amid shortage after Ruto’s government withdrew the subsidy that has been in place since 2021.
Some parts of the country were hit with acute fuel shortages forcing the petrol stations to sell a litre of petrol at Ksh250 as President William Ruto’s government withdrew fuel subsidy.
As President William Ruto’s government removed fuel subsidies, severe fuel shortages in some areas of the country forced filling stations to sell a litre of fuel for Ksh250.
Residents in Ilbisil town along Namanga, Kajiado County, expressed outrage on Saturday, September 17, after being forced to pay Ksh250 for fuel instead of the Ksh179.30 recommended by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority ( EPRA).
The situation spread to Kajiado town, where motorists and boda bodas jostled for the product.
In the county’s Maili Tisa and Nkatatoek towns, a similar circumstance was reported.
However, motorists that waited in line for hours were only permitted to purchase 10 litres or less.
Due to the situation, motorists were compelled to seek alternatives in the neighbouring towns of Athi River and Machakos.
The residents faulted the government for failing to cushion Kenyans from high fuel costs at a time when the country was grappling with inflation.
“At the moment, we only have this filling station which is selling fuel but the queue is just crazy,” one resident stated.
“We have clients who are waiting for our services but have been forced to spend a night here. So we request President William Ruto to intervene because the situation is getting out of hand,” he added.
Motorists in Lamu, Laisamis, Meru, Mtito Andei, Elwak, Mandera, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia and Kimilili also purchased fuel at between Ksh180 and Ksh192.
In Meru, boda boda operators expressed their frustrations over increased fuel prices. The riders resorted to hiking fares thus overburdening the passengers.
“We thought that Kenya Kwanza government would lower fuel prices immediately they get into office but we are shocked and devastated by the contrary. Fuel is now at a record high,” one operator told Citizen TV on Saturday, September 17.
At the same time, some long-distance matatu operators announced fare hikes. On Friday, September 16, Mt Kenya matatu owners announced an increase in fare by 30 percent.
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