Kenyan Oil Firm Metro Petroleum Faces Possible Shutdown

Kenyan oil company Metro Petroleum Limited is facing a possible shutdown after a creditor filed an insolvency and liquidation petition against the firm at the High Court of Kenya in Nairobi.

The petition was presented before the High Court’s Commercial and Admiralty Division at the Milimani Law Courts on March 19, 2025, under the Insolvency Act.

If the court grants the application, Metro Petroleum could be placed under liquidation, a move that may lead to the winding up of its operations.

According to a gazette notice dated Friday January 9 2026, the insolvency case is scheduled to be mentioned on January 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Kenyan Oil Firm Metro Petroleum Faces Possible Shutdown

The mention will allow the court to issue directions on the matter and determine the next steps in the proceedings.

Members of the public, particularly creditors and contributors of Metro Petroleum, have been invited to either support or oppose the petition.

Those intending to appear at the court mention must formally notify the petitioning advocates in writing of their intention to do so.

“Any person who intends to appear on the mention of the said Petition must serve or send by post to the above-named notice in writing of his/her intention to do so,” read the notice.

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The notice requires interested parties to provide their names and addresses or, in the case of firms, the firm’s details and ensure the notice is signed by the individual, firm, or their advocate.

The deadline for submitting the notice is 4:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026.

The insolvency petition was filed by Singh Gitau Advocates through LJA Associates LLP, acting on behalf of the creditor.

Copies of the petition are available to creditors or contributors upon payment of the prescribed fee.

If the liquidation order is issued, Metro Petroleum’s assets may be sold to settle outstanding debts owed to creditors, potentially bringing the company’s operations to an end.

About Metro Petroleum Limited

Metro Petroleum Limited is an independent Kenyan oil marketing company primarily focused on the wholesale distribution of fuel and lubricants.

Its core business involves bulk trading, import/export, and an efficient distribution network for petroleum products across Kenya.

Several Kenyan businesses have faced insolvency or closures in recent years due to economic pressures and rising operational costs.

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In 2025, CMC Motors Group announced it would cease all operations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda after 40 years. D.T. Dobie officially shut down after 75 years following a High Court liquidation order, while Mobius Motors Kenya Ltd closed under the Insolvency Act, with a receiver appointed to oversee the winding-up process.

Elsewhere, Bank Al-Habib Ltd (BAHL) closed its Nairobi office in May 2025 as part of a global restructuring, and Caltex House Service Station Limited was formally dissolved in June 2025.

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Fuel pump at a petrol station in Kenya. PHOTO/NTV.