By Jameson
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accused opposition leaders of politicising the ongoing rise in fuel prices, maintaining that the increases are driven by global factors rather than domestic policy failures.
Addressing the press on Thursday, the party’s Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar Hassan dismissed recent opposition criticism as misleading and politically motivated, arguing that the government has taken deliberate steps to cushion Kenyans from the impact of high fuel costs.
The Ruling Party said the government has deployed KSh 6.2 billion through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund to stabilise pump prices. It also cited the reduction of Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16 percent to 8 percent as part of broader efforts to ease the burden on consumers. Current prices stand at KSh 197.60 for petrol, KSh 196.63 for diesel, and KSh 152.78 for kerosene.
The party attributed the rising costs to global energy market disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, noting that Kenya, as an import-dependent economy, remains vulnerable to international price volatility.
UDA also defended the government-to-government fuel import arrangement, describing it as key to ensuring stable supply and easing pressure on the Kenyan shilling by reducing demand for US dollars among oil marketers. According to the party, the framework has helped limit speculative pressure in the foreign exchange market.
At the same time, UDA criticised opposition figures, including a former Deputy President and a former Attorney General, accusing them of inconsistency. It noted that both leaders had previously supported and approved the government-to-government arrangement in 2023.
The party further addressed concerns over fuel imports outside the government framework, terming such actions illegal and warning they could have led to significantly higher pump prices. It added that the cancelled imports were more expensive and did not meet required standards.
UDA also dismissed claims of fuel shortages, stating that the country has maintained adequate reserves and that reports of potential supply disruptions, including during the Easter period, are unfounded.
The statement expressed confidence in the Cabinet Secretaries for Energy and Petroleum and for Investments, Trade and Industry, urging them to remain focused despite criticism from political opponents.
Additionally, the party criticised opposition proposals to scrap key government funds, including the National Infrastructure Fund, Affordable Housing Levy, and NSSF contributions, warning that such moves could undermine long-term development and economic transformation.
UDA reaffirmed its support for government efforts to cushion consumers from global fuel price shocks, while calling for more responsible political discourse on the issue.
Globally, analysts note that the ongoing tensions involving Iran have destabilised global oil markets, creating a sharp disconnect between rising physical crude prices and relatively stable futures benchmarks, a trend that could have lasting implications for the global economy.
