India Surpasses UAE and Saudi Arabia as Kenya's Top Fuel Supplier

India has become Kenya's largest supplier of petroleum products, overtaking traditional major suppliers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This shift in supply is attributed to disruptions caused by the US-Iran war, which have affected global fuel-trading routes.

The Indian government has invested heavily in expanding its refining capacity over the past few decades. According to energy economist Anas Alhajji, India has replaced Saudi Arabia and the UAE as Kenya's supplier of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and fuel oil.

India's petroleum-product exports to Africa reached a record high in July, rising 66% year-on-year. This is partly due to the European Union banning imports of petroleum products refined from Russian crude in third countries, which has redirected Indian cargoes away from Europe.

Kenya has traditionally sourced its fuel supplies through government-backed agreements with major oil companies. However, the US-Iran war has forced the east African nation to seek alternative suppliers.