The Motorists Association of Kenya has threatened peaceful protests unless the government explains the latest fuel price hike, audits the G-to-G petroleum import deal and publishes detailed pricing calculations.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has threatened to mobilise motorists, transport operators and other Kenyans for peaceful protests if the government fails to address concerns over rising fuel prices and the petroleum pricing system.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, MAK said it would consult its members on coordinated public mobilisation. The association accused the government and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) of failing to provide adequate explanations for the latest price increases.
MAK is demanding an independent review of the October-November fuel price adjustments, a comprehensive audit of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) petroleum importation arrangement, and the publication of detailed fuel pricing calculations.
Calls for Transparency
The association also wants the government to disclose the Petroleum Development Levy Fund's receipts, disbursements and stabilisation balances, alongside a review of petroleum taxes and levies.
MAK challenged EPRA to publish evidence showing whether the G-to-G importation arrangement has delivered savings to consumers, including details of supplier premiums and financing costs. It also asked for detailed pricing worksheets showing the international benchmarks, landed costs, exchange rates, freight, taxes and other adjustments used to determine pump prices.
"An explanation is not scientific merely because it contains figures. It becomes scientific when its assumptions, methodology and calculations can be independently examined and reproduced," MAK stated.
A major sticking point for the association is the kerosene price. Kerosene rose by Ksh28.49 per litre, compared to Ksh12.93 for petrol and Ksh9.90 for diesel, even though MAK says kerosene recorded the lowest percentage increase in reported landed costs.
MAK argued that EPRA should explain the disparity, including how taxes, freight charges, insurance, distribution margins and stabilisation adjustments contributed to the final pump prices.
EPRA has defended the kerosene increase as a way to narrow the gap with other fuels and discourage adulteration. MAK rejected that reasoning, arguing that using higher prices to deter adulteration unfairly burdens households instead of strengthening enforcement against offenders.
Calls for Oversight
The association wants Parliament, the Auditor-General and the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) to scrutinise the petroleum procurement and pricing arrangements.
The threat recalls events earlier this year. In May, Kenyans and motorists took to the streets to protest a similar fuel price hike. MAK has not yet said when it would organise the planned demonstrations, leaving open how soon the pressure on the government could escalate.
With the National Assembly having just moved to extend the reduced 8 per cent VAT on fuel, the government may hope the relief eases public anger. Whether that is enough to satisfy MAK's demands for transparency remains to be seen.