19/05/2026
UDA Accuses Opposition of Exploiting Global Fuel Crisis for Political Gain as Government Unveils Stabilisation Measures
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accused political opponents of exploiting the global fuel crisis for narrow gain, as the government revealed that without intervention pump prices would have exceeded KSh300 per litre. Secretary General Hassan Omar’s remarks came a day after public transport was disrupted following a strike announcement by transport operators over rising fuel costs.
"Since the outbreak of the U.S -Israel-Iran conflict, the government has undertaken deliberate interventions aimed at pushing Kenyans on the unprecedented side of a global fuel crisis," Omar said. He noted that disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has destabilised international oil supply chains.
He cautioned against comparing Kenya with neighbouring countries, calling such comparisons economically misleading because each nation operates under distinct fiscal and supply chain conditions.
Omar highlighted the government-to-government (G2G) arrangement on fuel supplies. "The G2G arrangement has continued to serve the country well, providing a cushion of KSh19.51 per litre of super-petrol, KSh20.72 per litre of diesel and KSh18 per litre of Jet A1 kerosene in comparison to prices in the spot market," he said. Under the G2G, premium and freight costs are fixed at US$10.84 per litre, while spot market rates exceed US$284 per litre.
The government has reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16% to 8% and applied KSh11 trillion in stabilisation funds. "Without this intervention, fuel prices by now would have exceeded KSh300 per litre," Omar stated.
Effective June 19, 2026, EPRA revised prices: diesel decreased by KSh10.06 per litre while kerosene increased by KSh38.06 per litre. "The move reflects government's goodwill and commitment to easing pressure on the public transport sector," he said.
Omar called for national unity, noting the government has maintained uninterrupted fuel supply despite the global crisis. "This is not a crisis of Kenya's making. It is driven by external geopolitical developments beyond our borders. Political opportunists must not be allowed to exploit this grave situation."
He warned that while peaceful assembly is a constitutional right, criminal actions including arson, vandalism and looting "shall not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law." The public was urged to remain calm as the government evaluates additional measures.
