UDA SG Hassan Omar Hassan Defends Fuel Price Adjustments, Condemns Political Violence

Story by Ayubu John Afrimedia Group news 

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan has defended the Government’s latest fuel price adjustments, attributing the current crisis to global geopolitical instability and disruptions in international oil supply chains.

Speaking amid growing public concern over rising fuel costs and transport sector protests, Omar said Kenya, like many countries worldwide, is grappling with the effects of soaring crude oil prices, increased shipping risks, high insurance premiums and disruptions in global petroleum supply networks caused by ongoing international conflicts.

He noted that the final pump price of fuel is influenced by several factors including landed costs, storage and distribution expenses, taxes, levies and global market dynamics. According to Omar, comparisons between Kenya’s fuel prices and those of neighboring countries are often misleading because each country operates under different economic, fiscal and energy policies.

The UDA Secretary General maintained that the Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel import arrangement has continued to cushion Kenyans from even higher prices by securing petroleum products at relatively lower premiums compared to the open market.

He further stated that the Government has already spent billions of shillings through fuel stabilization programmes and tax relief measures, including the reduction of VAT on petroleum products, to protect consumers from the adverse effects of the global energy crisis.

Omar also defended the recent fuel pricing review announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), where diesel prices were reduced while kerosene prices were increased following concerns over fuel adulteration arising from the significant price gap between the two products.

While acknowledging the economic hardships facing Kenyans, Omar said President William Ruto had directed senior government officials from the Treasury, Energy and Transport ministries to engage stakeholders and explore additional interventions aimed at restoring stability in the transport and energy sectors.

At the same time, the UDA SG warned against violent protests and destruction of property, saying acts such as looting, arson, vandalism and attacks on innocent citizens would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.

In his remarks, Omar also strongly condemned the brutal killing of Rachel Njoroge and Joseph Njoroge, describing the incident as a disturbing reflection of rising political intolerance and extremism in the country.

“No Kenyan should ever be targeted, attacked or killed for exercising their constitutional political rights and freedoms. Kenya is a democratic state founded on the rule of law, not violence and intimidation,” Omar said.

He accused sections of the opposition of promoting hostility and division, warning that political extremism and intolerance could threaten national unity and stability.

Omar concluded by calling on Kenyans to remain calm, peaceful and united as the Government continues to seek long-term solutions to the economic challenges facing the country.