Kenya Fuel Scandal: One Petroleum Speaks Out After Government Blocks Overpriced Shipment
One Petroleum Limited has broken its silence after the Kenyan government issued a directive preventing a recent petroleum shipment from entering the local market. The move comes amid growing concern over fuel price hikes linked to the importation of a controversial consignment.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 7, the company clarified its involvement in the tendering process that led to the supply arrangement.
“In March, One Petroleum Limited was one of four bidders that successfully responded to an emergency request issued by the Kenya Ministry of Energy and Petroleum,” the firm said.
The statement confirmed that the company had already acted on government instructions regarding the disputed cargo, which arrived in Kenya on March 27, 2026, aboard the MT Paloma.
“Following consultations with the Government, One Petroleum Limited confirms that it has forthwith taken steps to ensure that the petroleum cargo that was brought in on 27th March, 2026 via MT Paloma does not enter the Kenyan market,” the company added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi revealed that the firm had imported 60,000 metric tonnes of Super Petrol outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) framework, intending to sell it locally.
Wandayi disclosed that the company purchased the consignment at KSh198,000 per metric tonne, KSh58,000 higher than the G-to-G price of KSh140,000 per metric tonne. He warned that such a discrepancy would directly impact consumer fuel prices.
“This consignment is priced at KSh198,000 per metric tonne, compared to KSh140,000 per metric tonne under the G-to-G arrangement, an increase of KSh58,000 per metric tonne, which would result in an approximate rise of KSh14 per litre in pump prices on this consignment alone,” he said.
The CS ordered One Petroleum Limited to immediately withdraw all invoices issued to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and issue credit notes, instructing OMCs not to pay for or uplift the petroleum products from the affected shipment.
Further directives instructed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to exclude the consignment from the monthly petroleum cost computations and ensure that the overpriced fuel is removed from circulation.
Wandayi assured Kenyans that the government would remain vigilant to prevent artificial shortages or unjustified fuel price surges. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining integrity in fuel supply, ensuring transparency, stability, and accountability in the petroleum market.
“The Government remains committed to upholding the integrity of fuel supply under the Government-negotiated G-to-G framework and honouring its contractual obligations,” he added, emphasizing protection for both domestic and international stakeholders.
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Kenya Fuel Scandal: One Petroleum Speaks Out After Government Blocks Overpriced Shipment