Uhaba wa mafuta umeanza kushuhudiwa maeneo mbalimbali nchini, hasa Nairobi na North Rift, licha ya serikali kusema akiba iko thabiti. Mvutano kati ya Iran, Marekani na Israeli kwenye Mlango wa Hormuz unaathiri usafirishaji wa mafuta kimataifa. Madereva wanalalamika kukosa petroli na dizeli vituoni.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, through which more than 20 per cent of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas flows, escalated on March 22, 2026. Iran threatened to restrict passage to vessels linked to adversary nations. US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum, saying the US will 'obliterate' Iranian power plants if the strait is not kept open. Iran warned of retaliating against US and Israeli energy infrastructure. The US-Israel conflict with Iran, now in its fourth week, includes attacks on commercial ships in the strait, though Iran maintains limited openness except for 'enemy vessels' according to state media. Kenya, which imports nearly all refined petroleum products, faces ripple effects. During the EPRA review for March 15 to April 14, fuel prices were maintained as shipments were February-priced, but latest developments have triggered local rationing. In Nairobi's Lang'ata Road, stations reported shortages of petrol and diesel, selling in measures. 'Nimelazimika kutembelea karibu vituo vitano vya mafuta. Hapa ndipo hatimaye nimepata mafuta, ingawa ni kidogo. Kuna uhaba mkubwa wa mafuta,' alisema Marvin Ogeta, dereva wa teksi. Jon Mutua, dereva kutoka Karen, aliongeza, 'Madereva wanalazimika kupunguza safari na kuhesabu vizuri matumizi ya mafuta.' Waziri wa Kawi na Petroli Opiyo Wandayi amesema usambazaji uko thabiti na mpango wa uagizaji unaendelea licha ya misukosuko Mashariki ya Kati. North Rift miji kama Eldoret na Kitale ina upungufu mkubwa wa dizeli, na athari kwa wakulima.
