Following the recent increase in fuel prices, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has criticised the government for exploiting motorists, describing the new prices as unjustified.
In a statement dated July 17, the association expressed dismay at the government's decision to take this step, despite global oil prices remaining below $70 per barrel. "This abrupt hike price of Super Petrol by Kes 8.99 & Diesel 8.67 per litre on both petrol and diesel by the Ministry of Energy through the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) caught motorists completely by surprise and left us shocked and lost for words," the statement read. "When world prices were dropping, EPRA reduced local prices by a paltry one shilling, insulting the millions of motorists who already sustain this government through oppressive taxation.
Today, half the cost of fuel is made up of taxes, which is economically destructive and morally wrong." Motorists along the busy Thika Super Highway at Survey Area, November 12, 2019.
Kenyans.co.ke In response to the price hike and other issues, motorists made a series of demands, including a return to a free market system where pump prices are determined by genuine world market forces and healthy competition among suppliers.
