The Matatu Owners’ Association (MOA) has dismissed reports of a pending nationwide strike against the fuel price increase.
The Matatu Owners’ Association (MOA) has dismissed reports of a pending nationwide strike against the fuel price increase.
Consequently, the association’s chairperson Simon Kimutai asked members of the public to disregard social media reports warning of the disruption of public transport beginning Thursday, September 16.
Kimutai faulted the government over fuel price but assured the public that the association would lobby for alternative ways to address certain challenges arising from fuel price. “As the association, we are not going on strike but then we are lobbying for an enabling work environment, we feel the governmrn is not considerate but we are engaging them until this matter. Let our members be advised that any information regarding MOA is relayed accordingly via our office,” he assured.
In its latest monthly review on September 14, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Petroleum Authority (EPRA) announced an upward revision of the prices of petroleum products. Super petrol increased by KSh 7.56, retailing at KSh 134.72; diesel by KSh 7.94, retailing at 115.60; and kerosene by KSh 12.97, retailing at Ksh 110.82 per litre in Nairobi. In Mombasa, petrol will now retail at Ksh132.46, diesel at Ksh113.36 while kerosene will sell at KSh 108.57. The new prices take effect from midnight through October 14 when the regulator will review the prices again.
The prices are inclusive of 8% Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2018, The Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020, and the reviewed rates for excise duty that were adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020. For months, prices for the three fuel products remained constant retailing at Ksh127.14 for petrol, Ksh107.66 for diesel and Ksh97.85 in Nairobi. According to the authority, the purpose of the petroleum pricing regulations is to cap the retail prices of petroleum products, which are already in the country, so that importation and other prudently incurred costs are recovered while ensuring reasonable prices.