Fuel shortage persists, KOT speak out
The shortage of fuel in the country has entered its second week with Kenyans greatly inconvenienced as a result.
David Ndii, a respected economist and political analyst currently attached to Deputy President William Ruto’s campaign team, is the latest expert to comment on the crisis.
He has attributed the shortage of this precious commodity to the first failure of price controls.
“When circumstances change, prices adjust accordingly enabling businesses to operate profitably. If prices are fixed and cannot adjust, then it is quantities (supply) that adjust. That is why price controls and shortages go hand in hand.”
Ndii also accused the government of failing to honour its part of the deal with oil marketers on fuel subsidy.
This as the government threatens to fine fuel marketers who found hoarding petrol and diesel.
Oil dealers have linked the shortage to a lack of clarity on the fuel subsidy the government introduced last April in a bid to stabilize prices.
Here’s what Kenyans on Twitter have had to say.
This is a full-blown crisis and the government of Kenya should do everything possible to make sure that the issue is addressed with immediate effect#StopHoardingFuel
— Substone Osoro (@osorojnr_) April 12, 2022
Kenyans are spending so much time looking for fuel instead of spending time making money.
Release the fuel bana.#StopHoardingFuel pic.twitter.com/gFEAduFyMb— Athena🦄 (@SelinaTeyie) April 12, 2022
While many pundits are focused on the current jump in global crude oil prices, there is an even more important price shock that needs the world's attention. #StopHoardingFuel pic.twitter.com/50xI61nl27
— Mimi_nyce (@mimi_nyce) April 12, 2022
We all need to say no to these oil marketing companies who opted to make our lives unbearable. It's so inhumane #StopHoardingFuel pic.twitter.com/oVlpBR1C1G
— Michael (@_homiad) April 12, 2022
Its because of the oil marketing companies that we are facing serious fuel crisis in kenya, the government should get involved in this to rescue its citizens.#StopHoardingFuel pic.twitter.com/2KRUiBHbdh
— Elvis (@NaiBoiofficial) April 12, 2022
With all the shortages Kenya is experiencing right now, we cannot afford to also have fuel being hoarded. No fuel means no transportation, which means no work and the economy also suffers.
#StopHoardingFuel pic.twitter.com/0EouSg9Lcq— Athena🦄 (@SelinaTeyie) April 12, 2022
The small scale households are feeling the plight of this crisis day in day out. A consensus should be made to end this crisis.#StopHoardingFuel pic.twitter.com/RxOyjJv0vD
— skylar⭐🇰🇪☀️ (@Goddy422) April 12, 2022
The government officials responsible for punishing companies that go against business malpractices should wake up feom deep slumber, its time to save the country from these fuel marketing companies#StopHoardingFuel
— Slander after slander. (@kenny_beres) April 12, 2022
The government should intervene and take action immediately on those individuals causing fuel shortages in the country.#StopHoardingFuel pic.twitter.com/qZrZuz4Ttr
— Ngulu-Sumu (@Kachunee) April 12, 2022
Last week, Petroleum Principal Secretary Andrew Kamau promised that by Thursday order would be restored but that is not the case.