Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has criticised Kenya’s government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel importation arrangement, describing it as a “fraud” following the latest increase in fuel prices.
Speaking during a media briefing before departing for the United Kingdom, Gachagua accused the government and private sector players of exploiting Kenyans through high fuel costs.
Gachagua Questions Fuel Pricing System
According to the former Deputy President, the current fuel pricing crisis has little to do with global oil prices.
“This G-to-G arrangement is a fraud. We were told that it’s supposed to regulate prices and cushion Kenyans from sporadic changes in pricing systems but the price keeps going higher,” Gachagua stated.
He argued that neighbouring countries sourcing fuel from the same Middle East suppliers are selling petroleum products at significantly lower prices than Kenya.
Claims Against Government-Linked Business Interests
Gachagua further alleged that excessive profits by government-linked business interests, including Gulf Energy, were contributing to the sharp rise in pump prices.
“The prices here are up because President Ruto, his business partners, Gulf Energy are taking too much profit to fleece Kenyans,” he claimed.
Kenya’s Fuel Prices Compared to Neighbours
The DCP leader noted that petrol in Kenya currently retails at around KSh214 per litre while diesel costs approximately KSh243 per litre.
In comparison, he claimed Uganda sells petrol at about KSh188 and diesel at KSh181 despite transporting fuel by road from the Port of Mombasa.
Gachagua also cited Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia as countries currently recording lower fuel prices than Kenya.
Debate Over G-to-G Fuel Arrangement
The government-to-government fuel importation system was introduced to stabilise fuel supply, reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and cushion consumers from global market volatility.
However, the latest fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) have reignited public debate over the effectiveness of the arrangement.
