Nairobi — The Energy Regulatory Commission has lashed out at oil dealers for adjusting pump prices upwards while still selling volumes bought several weeks ago.

The Commission's Director General, Mr John Mwirichia, said though market forces determine pump prices, it is unfair for dealers to take advantage and increase fuel pump prices.

Mwirichia's comments came a day after several dealers had adjusted pump prices upwards by Sh2 per litre of fuel.

A spot check within Nairobi's Central Business District showed that unleaded petrol sold at between Sh89.79 to Sh83.29 per litre. Diesel was selling at between Sh71.69 to Sh73.19 per litre.

At Kobil along Koinange Street, unleaded petrol sold at Shs83.29 while diesel was selling at Shs73.19. On the same street, the Total petrol station was selling unleaded petrol at Sh82.29 and Sh72.19 respectively.

A Shell Service station along University Way retailed unleaded petrol at Sh81.79 and diesel at Shs71.79 while a BP Service station along Kenyatta Avenue sold the same at Sh81.99 and Sh71.99 respectively. Most of the dealers were by yesterday still selling volumes bought several weeks before the rise in international crude oil prices. "I agree that the prices of crude oil volumes bought weeks ago should be reflected in the week. Local prices should lag international because this is not oil bought yesterday," Mwirichia said.

He promised to investigate the matter. "We have not analysed the situation, but we are going to do that and if necessary intervene," said Mwirichia.

He however noted that market forces were likely to dictate the pump prices given that Kenya is a liberalised economy. "Before taking any action against the dealers, we'll have to discuss with the stakeholders," said Mwirichia.

Motorist described the increases as unfair and unjustified.