babayao255
JF-Expert Member
- Apr 4, 2019
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Motorists in Migori County are now driving to neighbouring Tanzania in droves for cheaper fuel following high prices introduced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) on Sunday.
Stung by the high prices, motorists from Kisii, Homa Bay and Migori counties are using porous borders to access the precious commodity that retails more cheaply in the neighbouring country.
The hike has seen the price of petrol shoot to the Sh130.11 mark per litre in Migori town, pushing it to a nine-year high at a time when Kenyans are grappling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Diesel is retailing at Sh120.26 while kerosene shot to Sh99.07.
But in Tanzania, super petrol is being sold at between Sh93 and Sh94, diesel at Sh90.12 while kerosene trades at Sh88.32.
Government is insensitive’
“It is cheaper buying across the border where a litre goes for Sh93 as compared to Kenya where the same amount goes for between Sh128 and Sh130. We will continue buying the commodity in Tanzania since our government is insensitive to our plight,” Mr Peter Onyonka, a motorist, told the Nation.
The scramble has seen Isebania town abuzz with activity with motorists crossing over to Sirare town with 20-litre jerricans to buy fuel, which they later sell to Kenyan consumers.
If the government will not review the fuel hike then we will build the economy of Tanzania and that will be a big blow to the country’s revenue,” said a motorist.
Bodaboda riders also expressed concerns over the increased fuel prices, noting that their clients are insisting on fixed charges.
“We find it difficult to convince our clients who insist on the normal fares when we double the charges due to the fuel price hikes. The majority feel we are exploiting them,” said Mr James Owino, a rider in Migori town.
Public outcry.
nation.africa
Stung by the high prices, motorists from Kisii, Homa Bay and Migori counties are using porous borders to access the precious commodity that retails more cheaply in the neighbouring country.
The hike has seen the price of petrol shoot to the Sh130.11 mark per litre in Migori town, pushing it to a nine-year high at a time when Kenyans are grappling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Diesel is retailing at Sh120.26 while kerosene shot to Sh99.07.
But in Tanzania, super petrol is being sold at between Sh93 and Sh94, diesel at Sh90.12 while kerosene trades at Sh88.32.
Government is insensitive’
“It is cheaper buying across the border where a litre goes for Sh93 as compared to Kenya where the same amount goes for between Sh128 and Sh130. We will continue buying the commodity in Tanzania since our government is insensitive to our plight,” Mr Peter Onyonka, a motorist, told the Nation.
The scramble has seen Isebania town abuzz with activity with motorists crossing over to Sirare town with 20-litre jerricans to buy fuel, which they later sell to Kenyan consumers.
If the government will not review the fuel hike then we will build the economy of Tanzania and that will be a big blow to the country’s revenue,” said a motorist.
Bodaboda riders also expressed concerns over the increased fuel prices, noting that their clients are insisting on fixed charges.
“We find it difficult to convince our clients who insist on the normal fares when we double the charges due to the fuel price hikes. The majority feel we are exploiting them,” said Mr James Owino, a rider in Migori town.
Public outcry.
Kenyan motorists flock to Tanzania for cheaper fuel
Motorists from Kisii, Homa Bay and Migori counties are using porous borders to access neighbouring country.
nation.africa
