Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured Kenyans that the country has enough petroleum products despite concerns over rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Speaking after conducting spot checks at petrol stations in Machakos and surrounding areas, Wandayi said fuel stations remained fully stocked and motorists were accessing services normally.

“As you can see, the stocks of all petroleum products are available. We’ve got adequate stocks of all the products and motorists are able to get the services they require from these stations without any form of hindrance. That means therefore that the economy is now running normally and normalcy has essentially returned,” he said.

The CS attributed the stable supply to the government-to-government fuel importation framework, saying Kenya had avoided shortages being experienced in other countries.

“As a country, we are fortunate that with our very robust and resilient government-to-government fuel importation framework, we have not experienced any form of shortage of these products. Fuel shortage has now become a common thing in the region and many other parts of the world,” Wandayi stated.

He however acknowledged that Kenyans were still struggling with high fuel prices, describing the situation as temporary.

“We know that consumers continue to grapple with increased prices of fuel, but again that is something as a government we view as temporary. We are sure that when the situation in the Middle East ends, the benefits will eventually come down to consumers in Kenya,” he said.

Wandayi also urged Kenyans to maintain peace and avoid politicising the fuel crisis.

“We have got a responsibility collectively to protect and safeguard our economy by maintaining law and order, peace and tranquility. We don’t wish to see the kind of happenings witnessed last week where a matter such as fuel price can be turned into a political weapon by elements pursuing selfish agendas,” he added.