Fuel Relief: Kenya Confirms New Shipment, Prices to Hold Steady in April

EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo during a past stakeholder engagement, and an insert of fuel pump nozzles at a petrol station.

The government has confirmed that Kenya’s next fuel shipment is expected in the coming days, reassuring motorists that prices will remain stable throughout April.

Speaking during an interview on Channel Africa on Friday, April 3, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the consignment for the month has already been received.

“In the month of April, we have already received our next consignment. Usually, we import eight shiploads of fuel and have a robust system to stabilise supplies. There is no cause for alarm,” Mwaura said.

He dismissed calls for reintroducing fuel subsidies, noting that previous interventions primarily benefited a few oil marketers rather than ordinary citizens.

Addressing concerns over price hikes, Mwaura added, “We do not, at the moment, consider increasing prices in the next review. We have a consignment in advance. Let’s assess the situation at the end of April.”

Mwaura also reassured Kenyans that the shilling has remained stable despite tensions in the Middle East.

The reassurance comes as Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves dropped by Ksh47.5 billion to USD 13.656 billion (about Ksh1.77 trillion), giving the country 5.8 months of import cover, according to the Central Bank of Kenya. Last week, reserves stood at USD 14.02 billion, or six months of cover.

Despite the 16-day fuel cover, some petrol stations are reportedly hoarding fuel, reflecting concerns about potential shortages. Key exports, including tea and meat bound for the Middle East, have also been affected by the ongoing conflict, with tea farmers losing an estimated Ksh1 billion weekly due to cargo delays at Mombasa Port.

Meanwhile, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the government is considering changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel to cushion Kenyans from rising global oil prices and curb speculative hoarding.

Speaking before the National Assembly Finance Committee on Thursday, April 2, Mbadi said the VAT proposal will be tabled in Parliament once finalised, as part of wider fiscal interventions to stabilise prices amid global supply chain disruptions.

He added that Kenya currently holds about 16 days’ worth of petrol, 19 days of diesel, and 49 days of kerosene, with more shipments already on the way. Further measures, including VAT reductions, may be explored if the geopolitical crisis continues.