Iran Embassy in Nairobi Dismisses Claims Strait of Hormuz Crisis Will Spark Price Hikes in Kenya

Iran Embassy in Nairobi Dismisses Claims Strait of Hormuz Crisis Will Spark Price Hikes in Kenya

The Embassy of Iran in Nairobi has dismissed claims that the ongoing conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz will trigger fuel price increases or broader economic hardship in Kenya, describing such reports as misleading and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Friday, March 27, the mission rejected assertions that disruptions in the strategic Middle Eastern shipping corridor would have negative ripple effects on Kenya’s economy, particularly the cost of petroleum products and essential commodities.

“The Embassy categorically rejects false claims by some parties and biased media propaganda regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Such allegations are baseless and do not reflect the Islamic Republic of Iran’s actual position,” the statement said.

The diplomatic mission maintained that Iran remains committed to facilitating lawful maritime trade while exercising what it termed its legitimate right to self-defence under international law amid the ongoing hostilities.

According to the Embassy, reports predicting severe economic fallout for countries dependent on imported fuel were part of a broader campaign to misrepresent the situation.

“The publication of false news and manipulated narratives concerning the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impacts on life expenses in countries like Kenya are products of the US and the Israeli regime’s propaganda machinery,” the statement added.

Iran further argued that such narratives were intended to distort public opinion and deflect attention from what it described as aggression against the country.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supply. Any disruption typically raises concerns about international energy prices, shipping insurance costs, and supply stability, particularly for import-dependent nations.

While acknowledging the ongoing conflict, the Embassy insisted that maritime traffic through the waterway has not been entirely halted.

“Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not been suspended or closed and continues, subject to the measures adopted and the considerations arising from the current wartime situation,” the mission stated.

Iran indicated that navigation is being managed under wartime protocols, with priority reportedly given to vessels from countries it considers neutral or friendly. Reports from international media have suggested that ships linked to nations perceived as adversarial could face heightened security risks, though independent verification remains difficult.

The Embassy emphasised that any actions taken in the region would be governed by decisions of Iranian authorities and international legal frameworks applicable during armed conflict.

“Within the legal framework arising from the armed conflict, such assets shall be dealt with in accordance with the decisions and measures of the competent Iranian authorities,” the statement said.

The diplomatic intervention comes at a sensitive moment for Kenya’s foreign relations, as global powers respond to escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended President William Ruto for condemning Iranian military actions against neighbouring states, signalling Washington’s support for Nairobi’s stance.

Analysts say Kenya’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum products makes developments in the Gulf region particularly consequential, even when direct supply routes remain open.

Energy experts caution that global oil prices are influenced not only by physical supply disruptions but also by market expectations, insurance premiums, and shipping costs — factors that can rise sharply during geopolitical crises.

For now, the Iranian Embassy’s reassurances aim to calm fears of imminent price shocks, though economists warn that the broader trajectory of the conflict will ultimately determine its economic impact.

As tensions persist, Kenyan authorities continue to monitor global markets while urging consumers to avoid panic, with officials maintaining that fuel supplies remain adequate.

Further developments are expected as diplomatic, military, and economic responses to the crisis evolve.

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Iran Embassy in Nairobi Dismisses Claims Strait of Hormuz Crisis Will Spark Price Hikes in Kenya