The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has strongly condemned the new fuel price increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), describing it as unjustified and exploitative.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 17, MAK was infuriated by the price rise, especially considering that global oil prices are still trading below $70 per barrel.
This abrupt hike price of Super Petrol by Kes 8.99 & Diesel 8.67 per litre on both petrol and diesel by the Ministry of Energy through the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) caught motorists completely by surprise and left us shocked and lost for words.
Having now processed the shock, we must express our disgust and total dismay at the deliberate exploitation of Kenyan motorists. This increase is irrational and indefensible. Global oil prices remain below USD 70 per barrel, yet Kenyans have been denied the benefit of these favorable prices, the statement continued.
The association is now calling on the government to abandon what it described as state-controlled price manipulation and instead reinstate a free-market system that allows pump prices to reflect true global market forces and encourage healthy competition among fuel suppliers.
According to MAK, only a liberalized fuel market will protect consumers from arbitrary and unexplained price hikes that continue to burden ordinary Kenyans.
MAK Calls for Return to Open Tender System
The Association is also demanding the reintroduction of the Open Tender System (OTS), a procurement method that previously allowed Kenya to source oil from the most affordable global suppliers.
We, as motorists, demand a return to a free-market system where pump prices reflect genuine world market forces and healthy competition among suppliers, the association stated. We further call for a return to the Open Tender System (OTS), which allowed sourcing of oil from the cheapest suppliers and ensured fair downstream distribution at the lowest possible price.
MAK further urged the government to eliminate the unjustified increase in oil marketers margins, which it claims have inflated pump prices unfairly. The association also called for compensation for motorists whose vehicles have suffered damage due to adulterated fuel, and a return to fuel pricing based on scientific and fair market principles.
Warning of growing frustration among drivers, MAK threatened to mobilize peaceful protests and legal action if the government fails to address their demands.
If these demands are not met, motorists will have no choice but to pursue peaceful protests and court action to defend our right to fair, transparent, and affordable fuel pricing, the statement added.
