Kenyans could wait longer for a substantial reduction in fuel prices after Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi warned that the volatile global environment in the Middle East continues to affect petroleum prices.

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Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 2, Wandayi urged Kenyans to exercise patience, noting that the government was having to contend with a rapidly changing global situation.

The warning comes as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) prepares to announce its new fuel prices for September to October 14.

"We shall continue to work with all the stakeholders, even as we contend with the fact that the situation at the global stage remains very fluid," Wandayi said during a meeting with TukTuk operators.

📌 What You Need to Know

He further noted that the government was continuing to take measures to ensure the availability and affordability of petroleum products despite the ongoing global uncertainty.

Wandayi noted that while Kenya was transitioning towards e-mobility, petroleum products would remain critical to the country's transport and energy needs during the transition period.

"Even as we transition to e-mobility, we recognise that it is a journey, and in the meantime as a government, we have continued to proactively deal with issues of availability and affordability of petroleum products," Wandayi stated.

The CS said the government had taken practical steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel and cushion consumers from the effects of the raging crisis in the Middle East.

According to Wandayi, the measures include reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent and deploying subsidies from the Petroleum Development Levy.

"All these put together have significantly helped in mitigating the impact of this raging crisis in the Middle East," Wandayi stated.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke