UDA Defends Fuel Price Adjustment, Blames Global Oil Crisis on Middle East Conflict
The ruling party, United Democratic Alliance, has defended the recent increase in petroleum prices, attributing the adjustment to the ongoing global oil crisis triggered by the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the disruption and partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz had severely affected global oil supply chains, leading to increased fuel importation costs across many countries, including Kenya.
The party noted that the government had already undertaken several interventions aimed at cushioning Kenyans from the sharp rise in international fuel prices, but the global market pressures had continued to push costs upward.
According to the statement, key factors affecting pump prices include the landed cost of fuel, taxes and levies, storage and distribution charges, freight costs, insurance premiums, and financing expenses incurred by importers. UDA explained that most of these costs had risen significantly due to increased shipping risks, longer maritime routes, and heightened instability in global energy markets caused by the Middle East conflict.
The party further stated that Kenya was not isolated from the global economic shocks affecting fuel-dependent economies around the world and urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government continues to seek long-term solutions to stabilize the economy and protect consumers from further disruptions.
UDA also reiterated its support for the Kenya Kwanza administration’s efforts to maintain energy security and sustain economic activities despite the challenging international environment.
