Energy CS Charles Keter and his Petroleum counterpart John Munyes have been summoned to the Senate to answer questions on the recent increase in fuel prices.
2 Cabinet Secretaries summoned after fuel prices, cost of living rise
Matatu operators and wholesale traders have announced an increase in prices to reflect the new fuel prices.
A petrol station attendant fuelling a car
Recommended articles
The fuel prices are now the highest they’ve ever been with petrol retailing at Sh134.72 and diesel at Sh115.6 in Nairobi.
“I direct that the committee on Energy immediately issue summonses to the two Cabinet Secretaries and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) to appear on Tuesday. All senators should be invited to sit at this chamber,” Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka said on Wednesday, September 15.
Senators are planning to question the government official on why the fuel subsidy that had been in place over the last three months was removed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter
Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter
Pulse Live Kenya
The request for the summons was filed by Nandi Senator Cherargei who said the high fuel prices would have ramifications on the cost of living.
Already, matatu and transport operators have announced an increase in fare following the new fuel prices.
The prices of various commodities are also expected to shoot after cargo hauliers send notice to wholesale traders and manufacturers.
“The transporters have already given us an indication that the prices will go up Sh400 per ton more than we used to pay,” said Njoroge Wainaina who owns a supermarket in Nyeri.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the latest consumer price index released by the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, inflation rose to 6.57% in August 2021.
Economic observers have called for a change in strategy to cushion consumers against the fuel prices.
Petroleum and Mining Cabinet Secretary John Munyes
Petroleum and Mining Cabinet Secretary John Munyes
Pulse Live Kenya
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Next story
