One Petroleum moves to block fuel cargo from Kenyan market after Gov’t order

One Petroleum Limited has confirmed it has taken immediate steps to ensure a controversial consignment of Super Petrol imported into the country does not enter the Kenyan market, following a directive from the government.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the firm said it acted after consultations with authorities, noting that the cargo delivered on March 27, 2026 aboard MT Paloma would be withheld from local circulation.

“Following consultations with the Government, One Petroleum Limited confirms that it has forthwith taken steps to ensure that the petroleum cargo that was brought in on 27th March, 2026 via MT Paloma does not enter the Kenyan market,” the company said.

The company noted that it was among four bidders that had responded to an emergency request issued by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in March, a process that has since come under scrutiny after the government flagged the shipment as irregular.

The response came in the wake of a firm directive issued by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi ordering the withdrawal of the product from the market and the cancellation of all related invoices issued to oil marketers.

In an earlier press release, the CS said the 60,000-metric-tonne consignment of Super Petrol had been imported “in contravention of the procedures set out under the G-to-G contractual framework with international suppliers,” warning that the move posed risks to the country’s fuel supply system.

The government noted that the consignment was priced significantly higher than fuel imported under the Government-to-Government arrangement, stating:

“This consignment is priced at Ksh.198,000 per metric tonne, compared to Ksh.140,000 per metric tonne under the G-to-G arrangement, an increase of Ksh.58,000 per metric tonne, which would result in an approximate rise of Ksh.14 per litre in pump prices on this consignment alone.”

As part of immediate corrective measures, the ministry directed that “One Petroleum Ltd, the company that imported the said product and invoiced Oil Marketing Companies, immediately withdraw all invoices issued and raise credit notes,” while also instructing that the product be removed from the country.

The CS further ordered that oil marketing companies “should neither pay the invoices nor uplift product from this consignment,” and directed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to exclude the shipment from monthly fuel cost computations.

Wandayi reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting the integrity of the fuel supply chain, warning against actions that could destabilise prices or create artificial shortages.

“The Government will remain vigilant to ensure that no individual, company, or stakeholder engages in artificial shortages or unjustified price increases,” the statement added.

The developments highlight growing tensions around fuel importation processes, even as authorities seek to maintain stability under the G-to-G framework that has been in place since 2023.