KPA Reveals Arrival of Five Oil Tankers in Kenya By April 27, Amid Rise in Fuel Prices

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced that five oil tankers carrying petroleum products will arrive at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu within the next two weeks, offering a potential reprieve for many Kenyans amid the fuel crisis.

The tankers are part of a schedule of 49 vessels expected to arrive in Kenya between April 14 and April 27, 2026, with some of the oil shipments including vessels transporting gasoline and gas oil.

Among the vessels listed in the KPA report are tankers Atahualpa carrying gas oil and STI Selatar and Apanemo, both transporting gasoline, all expected to dock at the Port of Mombasa between April 14 and April 16, 2026.

“Five oil tankers will dock at the Port of Mombasa in the next 14 days and discharge vegetable and petroleum products,” KPA announced.

The announcement comes just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased fuel prices, sparking widespread public concern. 

In its latest review, EPRA on Wednesday, April 14, raised the price of Super Petrol by Ksh28.69 per litre and Diesel by Ksh40.30 per litre, while leaving kerosene prices unchanged.

The price hike has triggered public backlash, with Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators announcing a 30 per cent increase in fares, further straining commuters already dealing with a high cost of living.

The arrival of the oil tankers is expected to boost fuel supply in the country and help ease the escalating pressure on many Kenyans, particularly motorists.

While the arrival of the consignment may not immediately lower pump prices, the increased supply could stabilise the situation and prevent further shortages.

KPA also noted that several other vessels carrying various cargo, livestock and cars will dock during the same period, ensuring the continued flow of essential supplies into the country.

“MV Murray Express, a livestock carrier, is among the 49 cargo vessels that will call at the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu in the next 14 days. The vessel will load approximately 800 livestock at the Port of Mombasa for export to the Gulf,” KPA added.

As Kenyans now struggle to come to terms with the rise in fuel and transport costs, many are waiting to see whether the incoming shipments will translate to a drop in pump prices.