Fuel Crisis in Eldoret

Boda Boda operators, public service vehicles (PSV), and private cars have been seen to make long queues on several petrol stations in Eldoret town today.

Residents revealed that the oil shortage began almost a week ago with several petrol stations experiencing a decrease in the fuel amounts. 

"Nimekua hapa tangu saa moja lakini hawatupei. Mafuta imeisha,"  one of the boda boda operators stated.

One of the residents further outlined that the oil shortage was highly experienced on Saturday, March 26.

Motorists are now appealing to the government to save them from the crisis by providing fuel for them so that they can continue carrying out their businesses as usual. This comes at a period when most of the residents in Uasin Gishu county are entering into the planting season.

Boda Boda operators at Shell Petrol Station in Eldoret Town. PHOTO FILE.

Fuel costs may have arisen as a result of rising global fuel prices and disruptions in the global supply chain. As a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, oil prices have risen to $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014.

Some of the motorists also appealed to the government to at least double the prices rather than making them not access the oil and allow them to get the fuel so that they can be able to carry out their activities normally.

According to sources privy to this publication, several other counties are also experiencing an acute shortage of fuel in the filling stations. Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Transnzoia, and West Pokot are among the towns experiencing oil shortages today.

Unless the government continues to subsidize the cost of fuel, this is likely to have an impact on the Energy Regulatory Authority's fuel assessment this month.

More to follow...