Hiked fuel prices push motorists to neighbouring Tanzania for cheap fuel

Increased fuel prices push motorists to Tanzania.

Motorists and boda boda operators at the border county of Migori have opted to source for fuel from neighbouring Tanzania where it is cheaper.

According to motorists, they have been crossing to Tanzania to fuel since petrol is sold at Sh94 per litre compared to Kenya where it is Sh130.

“Since fuel prices were hiked, life has been difficult,” said Moses Otieno, a boda boda rider who had gone to get fuel from Tanzania with a jerrican.

Early this week, there was an outrage among boda boda riders operating within Migori town over the hiked fuel prices, which were effected on March 15.

Super petrol

Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority increased super petrol by Sh7.63 per litre, diesel by Sh5.75 per litre and kerosene by Sh5.41 per litre.

A litre of petrol now retails at Sh122.81, diesel at Sh107.66 and kerosene at Sh97.85 whereas in Tanzania petrol sells at Sh93.67, diesel at Sh90.36 and kerosene at Sh88.09.

In Migori, petrol is retailing between Sh123 and Sh130.

The riders who were angered by the hike said the government should review the prices.

The groups that have opted to go for cheap fuel from include boda boda riders, taxi drivers and personal vehicle owners who travel from as far as Kisii.