Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has launched a nationwide crackdown on fuel retail stations flouting the government’s pump price regulations.
Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has raised concerns over reports that some fuel stations across Kenya are charging higher than the officially stipulated pump prices.
These actions come despite the recent price reduction by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on October 14, 2024, which lowered fuel costs across the country.
The reductions by the ministry are attributed to the lower international costs for these fuels, with Nairobi selling Super Petrol at Sh180.66, Diesel at Sh168.06, and Kerosene at Sh151.39.
The new prices took effect from October 15, 2024, and will remain valid until November 14, 2024, when EPRA is expected to announce the next price cycle.
The Petroleum Act 2019 empowers EPRA to regulate petroleum prices, ensuring transparency and protecting consumer rights.
EPRA is responsible for monitoring retail pricing under Section 101(y) of the Act, while Legal Notice No. 192 of 2022 grants the authority the right to review and adjust fuel prices when necessary.
Cabinet Secretary of Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi has emphasized that all retail stations must strictly comply with EPRA’s set prices, as outlined in the Petroleum Pricing Guidelines 2023.
"We urge all retail stations in Kenya to strictly comply with the prices set by the Regulator as stipulated in the Petroleum pricing guidelines 2023," Wandanyi said.
The cabinet secretary assured the public that they would closely monitor compliance and take enforcement action against violators, ensuring that the interests of consumers and investors are protected in a fair and transparent marketplace.
"Retailers caught charging above the maximum retail prices will face legal consequences," said Wandanyi in a statement.
Additionally, the Ministry called on industries to pass on the benefits of the reduced fuel prices to consumers, as part of efforts to ease the cost of living.
The public has been urged to report any retail stations overcharging for fuel through EPRA’s hotline number, which is operational during regular working hours.