Motorists Lobby Demand Binding Fuel Price Reduction Deal
The association said motorists, who are among the country’s largest consumers of petroleum products, must be assured that the benefits of the multibillion-shilling refinery will translate into lower pump prices.
The association argued that Kenyans should be able to access information on the financial and commercial arrangements underpinning the investment.
“Unless these demands, specifically written assurance on lower fuel prices and full disclosure, are met, the motoring public unconditionally rejects and condemns the current structure of the Lamu Refinery.”
Motorists demand lower fuel prices
The motorists said the government had not clearly explained how ordinary drivers and other petroleum consumers would benefit from the refinery.
According to the association, motorists depend heavily on roads to transport people and goods and therefore bear the direct impact of changes in fuel prices.
It said the interests of motorists should have been considered in discussions surrounding the Lamu project.
“While the political class and regional trade merchants celebrate this mega-deal as a landmark investment, we note with deep concern that the primary stakeholder, the Kenyan motorist and end consumer, has been completely ignored.”
The association also questioned claims that the refinery could generate savings through lower high-seas insurance costs.
It said the government should provide a clear explanation of whether any savings generated through the project would be passed on to consumers through lower fuel prices.
Lobby cites past fuel price concerns
The motorists’ demands come amid longstanding debate over fuel prices, taxes and levies in Kenya.
The association cited the Turkana crude oil project, arguing that motorists had not seen direct benefits from oil extracted in the region despite contributing to road infrastructure through the Road Maintenance Levy.
The lobby further raised concerns over the Government-to-Government fuel supply arrangement.
It claimed motorists had initially been promised price stability but later experienced increases in pump prices.
“Motorists were promised a six-month price stabilisation guarantee. Instead, prices were increased under the false pretext of Strait of Hormuz tensions.”
Ruto defends Dangote investment
The latest demands come shortly after President William Ruto defended Dangote’s investment in the Lamu refinery.
The President questioned opposition to the refinery and the demand for details of agreements between the government and the investor.
“Imagine people are opposing that refinery in Lamu. Just imagine, yesterday I heard some people asking for the agreement of the Dangote refinery.”
The planned refinery is expected to become a major investment in Kenya’s petroleum sector and has been presented by the government as part of efforts to expand industrial activity and strengthen energy security.
Dangote Industries has also linked the Lamu project to wider investments in power generation and other industrial activities.
Calls for transparency continue
The lobby is seeking written guarantees on fuel prices, full disclosure of project agreements and clarity on government commitments to the refinery.
The demands are likely to keep the focus on the relationship between major energy investments, public resources and the price motorists ultimately pay at fuel stations.
As construction and development of the Lamu refinery progresses, motorists are calling for greater transparency and measurable benefits for petroleum consumers.
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Motorists Lobby Demand Binding Fuel Price Reduction Deal
