Economic and commercial activities in Kenya were disrupted on Monday as transport workers protested rising fuel prices.

Major roads in Nairobi were blocked, leaving commuters stranded on their way to work, with some forced to walk to their workplaces, local media reported. 

Amid the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz over the lingering crisis between the United States and Iran, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Thursday increased fuel prices to 242 shillings ($1.80; £1.40) per litre for diesel and adjusted petrol prices to $1.65. 

The hike saw protesters hit the streets across Kenya on Monday, while transporters embarked on a strike to express their displeasure with the soaring prices of fuel.

Kenya Treasury Minister John Mbadi, in an interview with NTV on Monday, said the strike over the price hike was “completely uncalled for.” 

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Mr Mbadi said, “It is not that we are lacking fuel. Fuel is in this country. That’s one thing this government has guaranteed. But if you get the fuel from Nigeria, it would be more expensive than getting it from India due to logistical issues.

“We have petroleum products being shipped here. It is just that they are landing here at more expensive prices than they were a few weeks back.”