Nairobi, April 10 -- A parliamentary committee has directed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) to clamp down on and close petrol stations hoarding fuel in anticipation of a price increase in the next review, expected next week.

The National Assembly Committee on Energy has told the authority to physically move into petrol stations, check their fuel levels, and withdraw the licences of those found to be hoarding the commodity.

"Epra has a responsibility to tell us more about the fuel shortage. They should take action against these stations and withdraw their licences," said committee chairman David Gikaria.

"Epra should burn the midnight oil. It's not enough to just tell us that there is fuel; they should walk into the...