Nigeria President Mocks Kenya and Other African Countries Over Fuel Shortage

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has drawn attention after appearing to mock Kenya and other African countries grappling with fuel shortages, even as Nigeria faces its own energy challenges.

Speaking on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, during the commissioning of projects, Tinubu acknowledged that rising fuel prices were affecting Nigerians but said the situation was worse in other countries.

“It is very important that we are transparent and honest with our people. The fuel crisis is biting hard, but look around and thank God that you are better off than those in Kenya and other African countries,” he said.

Tinubu Speaks Out on Fuel Crisis, Says Nigeria Ahead of Kenya

He added that his administration would continue seeking solutions to ease the burden on vulnerable citizens.

Tinubu’s remarks come at a time when Kenya has been experiencing fuel shortages for over a week, leading to long queues at petrol stations across the country.

Also Read: CAK Issues Demands to Oil Marketers Amid Fuel Shortage, Triggering Long Queues

On Friday, April 10, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) confirmed supply challenges in Nairobi and Machakos counties, attributing the situation to panic buying and distribution delays.

“Our surveillance and enforcement team conducted inspections at various petrol stations. While most stations had fuel, a few were out of stock but awaiting resupply,” EPRA said in a statement.

The regulator explained that the problem was mainly a distribution issue, not that there was no fuel supply at the depots.

CAK Issues Demands to Oil Marketers Amid Fuel Shortage

Meanwhile, the Competition Authority of Kenya warned oil marketers against hoarding fuel or engaging in anti-competitive practices, saying such actions would violate the law.

The authority noted reports suggesting some companies could be restricting supply in anticipation of price increases, further worsening the shortage.

“Fuel is an essential commodity that underpins economic activity and public welfare. Any deliberate attempt to withhold supply or gain unfair commercial advantage is a prohibited practice under the Competition Act,” the statement read.

Also Read: How Fuel Reaches Kenya: Pricing, Supply Chain, and What Drives Costs

CAK stated that it is working closely with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to monitor the situation and ensure compliance within the sector.

The fuel challenges have been linked in part to global supply disruptions, including tensions affecting key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

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