Independent petroleum dealers have threatened to stop buying fuel from oil marketing companies they accuse of charging above the maximum wholesale prices set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The warning raises concerns about possible supply disruptions and petrol station closures.
On Tuesday, October 27, the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) and the Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association (KIPEDA) issued a statement urging operators across the country to stop buying petroleum products from suppliers charging more than the maximum wholesale prices set by EPRA.
The associations said the alleged violations were making it increasingly difficult for independent dealers to restock while selling fuel at approved retail prices. They warned that the situation was making it difficult for some operators to remain profitable.
“We advise all petroleum operators countrywide to immediately suspend the purchase of petroleum products at rates exceeding the gazetted EPRA wholesale limits,” the statement said.
The associations said complaints submitted to EPRA and the State Department for Petroleum had not resulted in action, despite the new pricing cycle having begun on October 15. The dealers said they were struggling to keep their tanks stocked and faced mounting operational pressure.
The associations also reported that some independent petrol stations were already running low on fuel, raising the possibility of closures or continued sales at a loss. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and no nationwide fuel shortage has been confirmed.
The dispute follows EPRA’s announcement on October 14 of maximum petroleum prices for the period from October 15 to November 14, 2026. According to the figures cited in the original report, the maximum wholesale prices in Nairobi were Sh211.80 per litre for petrol, Sh212.60 for diesel and Sh204.79 for kerosene. These wholesale figures should be verified against EPRA’s original notice before publication.
The corresponding retail prices were reported at Sh226.96 per litre for petrol, Sh227.76 for diesel and Sh219.87 for kerosene.
EPRA raised Nairobi’s pump price of petrol by Sh12.93 per litre, diesel by Sh9.90 and kerosene by Sh28.49. The increases followed rising costs of imported petroleum products, adding pressure on motorists and businesses already struggling with fuel expenses.
The current dispute centres not on the retail price increases, but on the wholesale prices oil marketing companies charge independent retailers. The associations allege that some suppliers are charging above the permitted limits.
POAK and KIPEDA have asked EPRA and the State Department for Petroleum to investigate the complaints and take action against any company found to have breached the price limits.
If the dealers follow through on their threat to suspend purchases, fuel distribution could be disrupted, particularly in areas that rely heavily on independent petrol stations.
Prolonged stock-outs could affect transport companies, delivery services and other businesses that depend on reliable fuel supplies. The associations warned that continued inaction could force more independent stations to close, potentially undermining the effective operation of the regulated pricing system.
The reports did not identify the oil marketing companies accused of breaching the limits. As of Wednesday, October 28, EPRA and the State Department for Petroleum had not publicly responded to the allegations, according to the information available for this report.
The focus now shifts to whether EPRA will investigate the complaints and determine whether any suppliers have breached the wholesale price limits. Any confirmed violations could prompt regulatory action, while a prolonged dispute could increase the risk of supply disruptions.
– By John Murunga
