Nairobi, April 8 -- An acute fuel shortage has hit several parts of the country, with concerns that suppliers are hoarding the commodity.

The crisis, linked to global supply disruptions amid tensions in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States and Iran, has hit independent oil dealers hardest, with many small-scale filling stations, especially in rural areas, reporting inadequate supplies.

This is happening despite repeated public assurances from the government agencies and regulators that the country has sufficient fuel stock and that there is no shortage.

In Mt Kenya region, shortage has been reported in Muranga, Meru, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Embu counties.

In Murang'a, supply of both diesel and petrol remained erratic,...