Fuel shortage hits motorists nationwide as rationing takes effect

Fuel tanker at a fuel station along Enterprise road, Nairobi on April 23, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

The reality of fuel shortages has hit motorists across Kenya, with several towns grappling with a dire crisis that is threatening to grind economic activities to a halt.

While some petrol stations have closed after running completely dry, others have introduced strict rationing to stretch limited stocks and serve more customers.

The shortage has disrupted business activities, leaving fuel dealers and consumers frustrated. Many are questioning the supply constraints despite repeated government assurances that the country has sufficient fuel reserves.

However, spot checks revealed a mixed picture. Owners of petrol-powered vehicles in some areas reported relatively normal supply, while diesel users — particularly long-distance truck drivers and transporters — faced acute shortages.

In the capital, frustration continued to mount among motorists and boda boda operators despite government assurances that the shortage was merely a technical hitch.

A spot check by The Saturday Standard along Mombasa Road showed several pumps at major stations, including Total and Shell, empty and closed for much of the day. Motorists accused the government of downplaying the crisis, saying they had spent hours moving from station to station in search of fuel.

Frank, a motorist stranded in Syokimau, expressed anger after searching for fuel since morning. “We are suffering because of fuel. I have been looking since morning and I have not found any,” he said.

“Let us stop deceiving people and tell us where the fuel is. I have come all the way from Mlolongo and the situation is getting worse.”

Another driver, who was moving around with his employer, added: “My boss is here with me. We have been driving around looking for fuel and the car is almost empty. They keep saying there is enough fuel in the country, but where is it?”

Boda boda riders along the stretch said the crisis had severely affected their daily earnings, as they spent more time hunting for fuel than carrying passengers.

Jared Nyamasege said the government appeared disconnected from the plight of ordinary citizens.

Motorists in Mombasa queue to fuel in one of the petrol stations on 8th May 2026. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

In Mombasa, Samuel Muganda, a petrol attendant at Ola Petrol Station, said petrol supply remained normal but diesel was in short supply.

“We have a problem with the supply of diesel. The 4,000 litres we received on Thursday was sold the same day. Today we have no diesel, but petrol supply is normal,” Muganda said.

Long-distance truck drivers expressed worry over the diesel shortage. At Shell Petrol Station along Haile Selassie Road, Salim Juma said: “Whenever we go to buy diesel, we want to get the right amount, but this time it is not enough.”

Several trucks were parked at the station awaiting promised deliveries later in the day. Some attendants suspected that businessmen could be hoarding fuel amid uncertainty linked to developments in the Middle East. There are also fears that the diesel deficit could disrupt the transportation of goods from Mombasa port.

In Kakamega, several stations introduced rationing as the crisis deepened. A spot check by The Standard found long queues at stations limiting purchases — typically capping fuel at Sh2,000 for small cars and Sh4,000 for trucks.

Fuel station owners, speaking anonymously, said they were receiving reduced allocations from suppliers. “We used to procure fuel three times a week, but now suppliers have restricted us to once a week,” one dealer said.

“The limited supply is affecting our business because demand remains high while the product is scarce.”

Motorists and boda boda operators voiced frustration. James Mukhwana, a boda boda rider, said: “It is disturbing and a big let-down from the government that it cannot guarantee enough fuel for its citizens.”

Taxi driver Isaac Sadala accused the government of using delay tactics ahead of another fuel price review.

For the last three days, residents and motorists in Narok faced a severe diesel shortage. Long queues formed at the few stations still dispensing the product, which had run dry from Wednesday.

Public service vehicle operators said the shortage had disrupted travel along the Narok–Maasai Mara and Narok–Nairobi routes. An attendant at a Shell station said their pumps had been dry for two days but they received a small consignment that could last two to three days.

In Kisumu, reactions were mixed. Some stations reported normal operations while others struggled. George Odhiambo, supervisor at Rubis Petrol Station Kachok, said they had sufficient fuel and offloaded 41,000 litres that day.

Immaculate Sore at Shell Petrol Station Nyamasaria also confirmed stable supply.

However, Musa Ibrahim, manager at Ola Petrol Station Nyamasaria, said they had faced difficulties accessing fuel since the price adjustment on the 14th of last month. “Right now, our tanks are dry,” he said.

The fuel shortage comes as Kenyans continue to grapple with the high cost of living. Transport operators have warned of possible fare increases if the situation persists, which would further push up the prices of basic commodities.

[Reports by Okumu Modachi, Rodgers Otiso, George Sayagie, Benard Lusigi, and Willis Oketch]