Maralal hit by fuel shortage

Man filling a car at a petrol station (PHOTO: FILE)

MARALAL, KENYA: Maralal town in Samburu County has been hit by an acute fuel shortage after owners of petrol stations in the town closed their businesses.

 This is after they were arrested by Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) officials on Saturday evening for selling fuel beyond recommended ERC’s fuel pump prices.

A litre of petrol was selling at Sh128 on Saturday against Sh117.89 as recommended by ERC, Diesel at Sh122 against Sh116.83 recommended by ERC.

The ERC officers were said to be checking those selling substandard fuel at higher prices forcing petrol station operators to close down.

While speaking on phone, Samburu central Sub county commander Abagarro Guyo confirmed the arrest saying the suspects would be charged in Maralal court on Monday.

However, hundreds of commuters were on Sunday stranded in Maralal town as petrol stations closed down.

Bodaboda and taxi businesses in the town were most affected as few operators were forced to buy fuel from Nyahururu and dubious dealers at higher prices.