Independent petroleum dealers have threatened to suspend fuel purchases from oil marketing companies (OMCs) accused of selling petroleum products above wholesale price limits set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) and the Kenya Independent Petroleum Dealers Association (KIPEDA) warned that the alleged non-compliance was creating artificial shortages and putting independent fuel stations at risk of closure.
The associations accused oil marketing companies of disregarding wholesale prices gazetted by EPRA on October 14, 2026, for the October–November pricing cycle.
They said the violations began on October 15, with independent dealers allegedly being charged prices above the statutory wholesale caps despite the regulator's published rates.
In Nairobi, EPRA's maximum wholesale price for super petrol was set at KSh211.80 per litre, against a maximum retail price of KSh226.96.
Diesel had a maximum wholesale price of KSh212.60 per litre and a maximum retail price of KSh227.27, while kerosene was capped at KSh204.79 wholesale and KSh219.87 retail.
The associations said the alleged price violations had made it difficult for independent dealers to replenish their stocks while remaining financially viable.
They warned that some stations were experiencing critical fuel shortages, with operators facing the difficult choice of closing their businesses or continuing to sell fuel at significant losses.
The dispute also raises concerns about the impact on motorists, as the associations argued that charging dealers above the gazetted wholesale limits undermines the regulated pricing system intended to protect consumers.
In response, POAK and KIPEDA advised independent petroleum dealers to immediately stop purchasing fuel from suppliers charging above EPRA's published wholesale limits.
They also called on EPRA and the State Department for Petroleum to take swift enforcement action against oil marketing companies found to be violating the regulations.
The associations further urged the government to intervene to protect the country's fuel supply, warning that a widespread shutdown of independent outlets could disrupt distribution.
Independent dealers play a significant role in supplying fuel across the country, making their continued operations important to motorists and businesses that depend on reliable petroleum supplies.
The associations' position places pressure on regulators to address the dispute and ensure compliance with the published pricing framework.
