Just when Kenyans are struggling with rising fuel prices, fresh attacks thousands of kilometres away could make the situation even more worrying. Two oil tankers carrying petroleum products destined for Kenya have been immobilised by drone strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over fuel deliveries and the possibility of further economic pressure on consumers.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director-General Edward Kinyua disclosed the incident while appearing before the National Assembly’s Special Funds Accounts Committee, saying the attacks damaged the vessels’ engines and left them unable to proceed normally.
According to Kinyua, the petroleum products aboard the tankers remain safe, but transferring the cargo to other vessels could take approximately 60 days, potentially delaying deliveries to Kenya.
The government is relying on its Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel supply arrangement with Saudi Arabia to maintain supplies despite the disruption. However, the incident has raised questions about Kenya’s vulnerability to international conflicts and its dependence on imported petroleum products.
The development comes as Kenyan motorists face higher fuel prices following the latest review by EPRA, which took effect on October 15 and runs until November 14, 2026. Super petrol increased by KSh12.33 per litre, diesel by KSh9.90 and kerosene by KSh28.49.
The sharp increase in kerosene prices followed the withdrawal of government subsidies, narrowing the price difference between kerosene and diesel to KSh7.89 per litre. In Nairobi, kerosene is retailing at KSh219.87 per litre, compared with KSh227.76 for diesel.
The attacks highlight the risks facing global oil transportation as tensions involving Iran and Saudi Arabia threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for petroleum shipments.
For Kenya, prolonged disruptions could complicate fuel deliveries and increase pressure on an economy already affected by rising energy costs.
