Cooking Oil Price Manipulation Scandal Unveiled In Kenya

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

A recent report by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), has revealed alarming details about price manipulation in the cooking oil sector.

According to the study, some manufacturers have been inflating prices close to 21% despite the stabilisation of global commodity prices.

The report, based on data collected over the past six months, shows that manufacturers increased the cost of cooking oil significantly above what was warranted by the rise in raw material prices.

KAM’s research highlights that while global prices for palm oil, a key ingredient, had seen a dip in recent months, local manufacturers have continued to hike prices, burdening consumers with inflated costs.

The report also reveals discrepancies in the reported production and distribution costs, indicating that the price hikes were more than justifiable.

A spokesperson for KAM commented, “This analysis shows a disturbing trend of unjustified price hikes in essential commodities. Consumers are being taken advantage of, and the integrity of our market is at risk.”

Speaking on the issue, consumer rights advocate Peter Ndung’u said, “This is a clear case of corporate greed. While global prices have begun to stabilize, local manufacturers are exploiting Kenyans with unjustified markups.”

We urge the government to ensure that price controls are enforced for essential goods like cooking oil to safeguard the public from this kind of corporate abuse,” said Peter Ndung’u,

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has reportedly launched a probe into the matter. A spokesperson for the authority stated, “We are committed to ensuring fair trade practices and protecting consumers from exploitative pricing.”

This revelation has drawn sharp criticism from citizens and consumer organisations, with calls for stricter regulations to curb corporate malpractice.

Advocacy groups have urged the government to enforce price controls on essential goods to protect the public from such exploitation.