Independent petroleum distributors on strike over fuel price increase

The Kenya Independent Petroleum Distributors Association (KIPEDA) have gone on strike following the 16 percent Value Added Tax (V.A.T) on fuel.

Trucks owned by the distributors remained parked at the depots for the better part of Monday morning in solidarity with a strike called for by the Motorists’ Association of Kenya.

The petroleum distributors, following a Monday morning meeting, stated that their strike will go on until the V.A.T on fuel is scrapped off.

The move by KIPEDA comes after the Motorists’ Association, in a statement signed by Chairperson Peter Murima, called on its members to boycott the increased fuel prices.

“We, therefore, wish to call upon motorists to again express their anger tomorrow Monday 3^rd and Tuesday 4^th and if possible Wednesday by boycotting fuel and participating in a strike of not going to work in the morning as much as possible,” reads the statement sent to newsrooms on Sunday.

The 16% V.A.T on fuel has sparked public outrage with matatu operators increasing fares.

Breaking. The boycott is real.
No loading of fuel at the depots countrywide for downstream outlets.
Kenya independent Petroleum Distributors after an early morning meeting have joined in solidarity with motorists' call for a total boycott.#AmLiveNTV #FuelHike @citizentvkenya pic.twitter.com/ZjVLLuEptI

— Motorist Association (@motoristsoffice) September 3, 2018