Car importers turn to trains as fuel shortage worsens
Previously, car importers fueled their units and delivered them to showrooms...
✨ Key Highlights
A fuel shortage in Mombasa has forced car importers to shift from road to rail transport for vehicle deliveries, raising concerns about increased congestion at the port and along supply chains.
- Car importers are now using the Metre Gauge Railway to transport vehicles to inland areas like Nairobi and Naivasha.
- Peter Otieno, chairman of the Car Importers Association of Kenya, stated this is a "new norm" to manage costs and ensure delivery.
- The shortage impacts an estimated 3,500 trucks that pick up cargo daily at the Mombasa port, a critical regional logistics hub for countries including Uganda and South Sudan.
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Bad Fuel Scandal Grows as Kenyan Motorists Face Engine Damage Risk - April 2026
Kenya is facing a significant fuel scandal involving the importation of substandard petrol containing excessive sulphur and manganese, which can severely damage vehicle engines and emission control systems. The Competition Authority of Kenya has issued a stern warning to oil marketing companies against hoarding and anti-competitive practices amidst ongoing fuel shortages. A severe fuel shortage in Mombasa has forced car importers to shift from road to rail transport for vehicle deliveries, as truckers face difficulties sourcing diesel. Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices continue to rise despite a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, due to ongoing concerns about its durability and impact on oil supplies.
