IG Mutyambai orders police to give escort to fuel tankers and guard petrol stations

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has directed police to provide escort to tankers transporting fuel at night for the next three days.

In addition to this, all police stations across the country are to provide security to local petrol stations within their vicinity.

A press statement released by the National Police Service (NPS) on Thursday said the measures are being taken to help ease the difficulties being experienced due to the shortage of fuel in the country.

"The NPS, as a law enforcement agency has taken cognizance of the persistent situation and joins other state actors in providing solutions to alleviate the difficulties experienced," read the statement in part.

Crisis will be resolved, CS Juma

According to Energy CS Monica Juma, the nationwide fuel shortage crisis will be sorted out within the next three days.

"We are going to allow the movement of tankers on a privileged basis starting today and hope we can do this within the next 72 hours to stabilize the supply across the country," she said.

CS Juma said that the crisis has been aggravated by oil companies that she says are hoarding stock with the hope of a spike in prices.

Fuel prices increase

The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) today released its monthly review confirming an increase in the prices of fuel products. The prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene have been increased by KSh9.9.

EPRA has attributed the historic rise in fuel prices to increased landed costs of petrol, diesel and kerosene by 20.5%, 24.7% and 11.8% respectively.

The new prices will take effect on Friday midnight.