Six Oil Tankers Head To Mombasa As Drone Strikes Trap Kenya’s Fuel Cargoes And Pump Prices Climb

The Kenya Ports Authority says six oil tankers are among 51 vessels expected at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu over the next 14 days. The announcement places the country’s fuel supply chain under fresh scrutiny.

In its shipping outlook released on Wednesday October 21 the authority said Mombasa will receive 41 vessels. These include six oil tankers and 26 container ships. Lamu is expected to handle 10 vessels.

The news comes two days after EPRA revealed that two vessels carrying petroleum products meant for Kenya were immobilised by drone strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. Director-General Edward Kinyua told MPs the cargoes remained safe. He said transferring them to other vessels could take about 60 days.

The government insists that its government-to-government arrangement with Saudi Arabia will protect supply. The port schedule does not state the cargo volumes of the six tankers. It also does not say whether they will make up for the delayed shipments.

The arrival of a tanker does not automatically lower pump prices. EPRA uses a formula that considers the weighted average cost of cargoes discharged at Mombasa. It also factors in taxes and approved margins.

Pressure is already visible at the pumps. For the period running from October 15 to November 14 super petrol sells at Ksh226.96 per litre in Nairobi. Diesel costs Ksh227.76 while kerosene stands at Ksh219.87

EPRA says the average landed cost of super petrol rose by 11.81 per cent between August and September. Transporters and manufacturers may pass the higher costs to consumers.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi says fuel remains available in stations. Availability however does not guarantee stable prices.

https://x.com/PeopleDailyKe/status/2112930197918151027

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