Kenya, April 10, 2026 - Kenya’s fuel crisis is taking a new turn, with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) issuing multiple show-cause notices to petrol stations across the country for selling fuel above regulated prices, exposing widespread market indiscipline at a time of acute supply strain.
The enforcement action, carried out between late March and April 10, targets stations in Kirinyaga, Trans Nzoia, Meru and Kilifi counties, pointing to a nationwide pattern of non-compliance as fuel shortages bite.
Documents seen by Dawan Africa show that EPRA has issued formal notices to several filling stations, demanding explanations within 14 days or face disciplinary action, including possible license suspension or revocation.
Among those cited are:
In Kirinyaga County (PIAI, Difathers – Kirinyaga East Sub-county):
- Cathyjim Filling Station (Ms. Catherine Mburu)
- Eqwipetrol Naja Filling Station (Ms. Nancy Wambui)
In Trans Nzoia County (Kwanza, Sibanga, Kaplamai, Cherangany Sub-county):
- M-7 Kilauty Filling Station – Maili Saba (Mr. Samson Cheruiyot)
- Milimani Filling Station – Sibanga (Mr. Benjamin Cheserem)
- Jjovvis Filling Station – Kwanza (Mr. Adan Ali)
- Zabco Filling Station – Sibanga (Mr. Daniel Kimani)
- Station One Filling Station – Kaplamai (Mr. Ngetich Kiptoo)
- Peter Lusweti Filling Station – Kwanza (Mr. Peter Lusweti)
In Meru County (Mutuati, Laare):
- Jakam Filling Station (Mr. Bario Kamaru)
- Ecowise Energies (Mr. Adan Osman)
- Best Care Filling Station (Mr. Stephen Mwenda)
- Safe Filling Station (Mr. Mutura Moses)
In Kilifi County (Shariani):
- Clauniz Energy Limited (Mr. Simon Kibera)
Across all cases, the core offence remains consistent: retailing petroleum products above the revised maximum pump price, in violation of Section 99(1)(n) of the Petroleum Act.
In several instances, stations were found to be overpricing both Super Petrol and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), pointing to a widespread pattern of non-compliance across different regions.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) issued the notices under Section 81(2) of the Petroleum Act, granting operators 14 days to justify their actions or face disciplinary measures.
These could range from fines to the suspension or revocation of operating licences, depending on the severity of the breach and the response provided.
The enforcement comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with a complex fuel crisis marked by persistent shortages, rising concerns over hoarding, and increasing global oil prices.
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Recent warnings by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) have already pointed to possible supply manipulation by oil marketers, suggesting that the current disruption is not solely driven by global factors, but also local market behaviour.
Globally, the situation has been exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supply affected by the ongoing Iran–US–Israel conflict.
These disruptions have tightened supply chains and driven up prices internationally, placing additional pressure on import-dependent markets such as Kenya.
Industry insiders indicate that the violations reflect mounting pressure at the retail level, where dealers are caught between fixed government price controls, rising wholesale costs and uncertainty in supply.
In such an environment, some operators resort to overpricing fuel, rationing supply or selectively selling to preferred customers in a bid to cushion their margins.
Despite these pressures, regulators maintain that price controls must be adhered to, emphasizing that consumer protection remains paramount regardless of market volatility.
As the crisis unfolds, ordinary Kenyans continue to bear the brunt. Motorists are grappling with higher transport costs, limited access to fuel and unpredictable pricing, while small businesses that rely on fuel for operations face immediate and severe disruptions.
The violations uncovered by EPRA suggest that in some areas, consumers may have been unknowingly overcharged, further compounding the already high cost of living.
EPRA’s crackdown signals a tightening of enforcement, but also exposes the limits of regulation during a supply crisis. While price caps are designed to shield consumers, they become increasingly difficult to enforce when supply chains are strained and market pressures intensify.
The coming weeks will be critical as the regulator weighs its next steps, including the possibility of suspending licences, imposing fines or pursuing further legal action against non-compliant operators.
What is emerging is a complex crisis driven by both global shocks and local market behaviour.
From oil facility attacks in the Middle East to alleged hoarding in Kenya, the fuel supply chain is under pressure at every level.
EPRA’s enforcement action is therefore not just about compliance, it is about restoring order in a market at risk of spiraling out of control.
For now, the show-cause notices mark the beginning of what could become a wider crackdown on rogue operators as authorities race to stabilise the fuel market.

