The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has warned petrol companies against targeting fuel hoarding and price manipulation.
This comes at a time when there is growing concerns over reports of fuel shortages in several parts of the country, despite assurances from the government that petroleum stocks remain sufficient.
In a statement Friday, April 10, 2026, CAK raised alarm over suspected malpractice within the fuel supply chain, accusing some dealers of deliberately restricting fuel supply to create artificial scarcity.
“Fuel is an essential commodity that underpins economic activity and public welfare. Any deliberate attempt by suppliers, distributors, or retailers of fuel products to withhold supply from the market to create artificial scarcity, manipulate prices, or gain unfair commercial advantage is a prohibited practice,” CAK stated.
The authority further cautioned that any company found selling fuel above the prescribed price or engaging in other anti-competitive practices will face fines of not less than Ksh10 million or imprisonment of up to five years or both.
“Take notice that such conduct may attract a financial penalty of up to 10 per cent of an undertaking’s preceding year’s gross annual turnover in Kenya. The undertakings found to have breached the Act are liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine not exceeding Ksh10 Million,” the Authority added.
