Paraffin, which now retails at Sh65.45 per litre, has left a Sh26.42 per litre margin between the two products, an attraction for unscrupulous dealers who mix it with diesel to gain from the price margin. The difference is now even wider compared to the period just before the adulteration levy was introduced when the two products had Sh17.8 per litre difference (August 2018). Kerosene prices surpassed those of diesel in December and January, before the trend was reversed in the subsequent months except May when diesel recorded a Sh19.19 drop. AdvertisementWIDE PRICE MARGINExistence of a wide price margin between diesel and kerosene although expected to be temporary could send authorities back to the drawing board to increase market policing to tame the menace. While kerosene is largely used to adulterate diesel only the condensate is also said to be used for mixing with petrol.

Source: Daily Nation July 16, 2020 03:00 UTC