Nairobi — Kenya has sufficient fuel reserves to last at least two weeks, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has said, seeking to calm public concern over potential shortages triggered by global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Appearing before a parliamentary committee on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Mbadi outlined the country’s petroleum stock levels as of March 30. He said Kenya currently holds 138,623 metric tons of super petrol, enough for 16 days; 207,841 metric tons of diesel, covering 19 days; and 150,398 metric tons of jet fuel, which can last up to 49 days.
He noted that jet fuel figures also include kerosene.
Despite the relatively stable short-term outlook, Mbadi warned that fuel prices could rise in the coming months due to global market pressures. “Imports for May and June are likely to reflect higher global prices, posing a risk of increases in domestic pump prices with attendant inflationary and fiscal pressures,” he told lawmakers.
Kenya’s monthly fuel demand stands at 255,000 metric tons for petrol, 170,000 for diesel, and 80,000 for jet fuel. However, Mbadi said incoming shipments between March and April are expected to significantly boost reserves, with petrol stocks projected to reach 290,000 metric tons (47 days cover), diesel 182,900 metric tons (20 days), and jet fuel 60,000 metric tons (25 days).
To mitigate supply risks, the government is closely monitoring fuel shipments and has engaged key industry stakeholders, including the Petroleum Ministry and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Mbadi added that suppliers under government-to-government agreements are sourcing fuel from alternative routes, particularly in Europe and India, to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Current pump prices, which remain in effect until mid-April, stand at KSh 178.28 per litre for petrol and KSh 166.54 for diesel. While acknowledging public anxiety, Mbadi urged motorists to avoid panic buying, noting that short-term supply remains stable.
“In the next review, the situation may not be as some people speculate,” he said, adding that the government is implementing measures to cushion consumers against price shocks.
The update comes amid isolated reports of fuel shortages at some stations and ongoing volatility in global oil markets, highlighting Kenya’s continued reliance on imports and the need for long-term energy security strategies.
