Panic buying triggers fuel crisis in Kenya as matatu fares surge amid supply fears

Motorists in Nairobi and Nakuru face long queues and rising transport costs as a fuel shortage sparks panic buying and fare hikes across Kenya.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 3:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

Nationwide Scramble for Dwindling Fuel Supplies

Kenya is currently grappling with a sudden surge in fuel demand that has led to unprecedented congestion at major petroleum outlets. Observation of stations in Nairobi and surrounding counties reveals a pattern of panic buying, with motorists and boda boda riders queuing for hours to secure petrol in anticipation of a total stockout. The intensity of the situation has seen consumers resort to filling 20-litre jerrycans, a visual indicator of the growing anxiety surrounding the reliability of the national fuel supply chain.

Transport Disruptions and Rising Commuter Costs

The fuel accessibility crisis has moved beyond the pumps and is now actively destabilizing the public transport sector, particularly in Nakuru County. Matatu operators have reported significant difficulty in sourcing enough fuel to maintain regular schedules, leading to a visible reduction in available vehicles on key routes. This scarcity has forced a shift in pricing structures, with some Saccos already implementing fare hikes to mitigate the time and resources lost while searching for operational refueling points.

Economic Burden Shifts to Vulnerable Passengers

The financial impact of the shortage is being directly transferred to commuters, who are facing steep increases in daily travel expenses. On the Nakuru to Nairobi route, fares have reportedly jumped from the standard KSh 450 to KSh 600 as operators struggle to stay profitable. Industry stakeholders have expressed concern that the extra charges are becoming an unbearable burden for passengers, with some operators claiming they have had to cover fare deficits out of their own pockets when travelers cannot meet the new prices.