Members of the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy have raised concerns about the future of local fuel prices, ahead of the monthly review of the prices by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on March 14.

The concerns were raised by the Hon. David Pkosing -led Committee during a meeting convened to examine the Authority's audited accounts between FY 2016/17 to 2020/2021. 

During the session, Hon. Pkosing said that although the issue was not on the Committee's listed agenda, there were concerns from Kenyans and they had to seek answers from the EPRA officials since they were before them.

"Although the policy oversight of the petroleum Sector falls before the Departmental Committee on Energy, this is a serious issue that can't wait. Kenyans have reached out to us on this matter of significant national importance," said Hon. Pkosing.

Hon. Pkosing sought to know whether the government's recent removal of fuel subsidies would affect the prices in subsequent days. Other Members were curious about what had informed Government's decision to shift to Government-to-Govement (GOG) policy in future fuel importation, departing from the previous model that involved Open Tender System.

EPRA Director General Mr. Daniel Kiptoo told the Committee that he could not give an outright answer to the Committee on exact fuel prices since these prices are dictated by an elaborate formula tabulated.

On the question of the shift to GOG fuel important model, Mr. Kiptoo, told the Committee that the Ministry was better placed to answer.

Members who spoke cautioned EPRA to contain the recent increase in fuel prices, which had sparked a sharp rise in the cost of living for Kenyans.