Motorists across Kenya are set to face higher fuel costs after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased the prices of Super petrol, Diesel and Kerosene, raising the cost of transport and putting additional pressure on household budgets.
Under the latest fuel price adjustment for the period of October to November, Super Petrol has increased by Ksh12.93 per litre, while Diesel has gone up by Ksh9.90 per litre. Kerosene has gone up by Ksh28.49.
Following the latest adjustments, a litre of Super Petrol will retail at Ksh226.96 in Nairobi, while Diesel will cost Ksh227.76 per litre and Kerosene Ksh219.87.
According to reports reaching Vantage Ke, EPRA attributed the increase to higher landing costs of fuel, which have pushed up the expenses associated with importing petroleum products into the country.
In Mombasa, the maximum retail prices have been set at Ksh223.81 per litre for petrol, Ksh224.61 for diesel and Ksh216.71 for kerosene.
EPRA Director General Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua attributed the high pump prices to increased fuel demand in the market and developments in the US-Israel war involving Iran.
“September has been the worst month ever since this war broke out. Super petrol has reached USD 1,300 per metric tonne from the initial USD $600 per metric tonne," EPRA Director General Engineer Edward Mwirigi Kinyua told the press on Wednesday, October 14.
“We will not introduce the stabilisation for this pricing cycle so that the amounts being saved today can be utilised in the future if the prices were to go burst,” Kinyua asserted.
Earlier in the week, crude oil prices climbed to USD106 per barrel before easing in subsequent trading.
He added that the reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent would remain in effect until January 14 as part of measures to shield Kenyans from rising fuel costs.
Kinyua further noted that the government would continue strengthening the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to support price stabilisation as international markets experience rising fuel prices.
Meanwhile, petrol stations have been cautioned against selling adulterated fuel. EPRA explained that reducing the price difference between kerosene and other motor fuels would discourage the practice by eliminating the incentive created by keeping kerosene artificially cheap.
"We are aware of the issue of adulteration of fuel prices, which might have a devastating impact, especially in the matatu sector. That is why we have deceide to bring the price of kerosene to other motor fuels," Kinyua added.
Kinyua also addressed the ongoing construction of the Dangote Refinery in Lamu, expressing optimism that the project would help ease the burden of high fuel prices on Kenyans once completed. He noted that the facility could also strengthen the country's resilience against unexpected shocks in global oil markets.
Nonetheless, the latest adjustment is likely to draw attention from motorists, public service vehicle operators and businesses that depend on fuel for daily operations.
Diesel is widely used by trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles, meaning the increase could also raise transportation and distribution costs, potentially affecting the prices of goods and services.
Kerosene is commonly used for household cooking and lighting, particularly in areas with limited access to electricity and affordable energy alternatives. It is burned in stoves and lamps and is also used in aviation fuel production. In Kenya, its lower price can encourage illegal mixing with petrol and diesel.
