EPRA raises fuel prices in new monthly review as petrol, diesel surge
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a sharp increase in fuel prices in its latest monthly review, pushing up the cost of super petrol and diesel effective midnight for the next 30 days.
In the pricing cycle running from April 15 to May 14, 2026, EPRA said super petrol has increased by Sh28.69 per litre while diesel has gone up by Sh40.30 per litre.
The price of kerosene remains unchanged.
In Nairobi, super petrol, diesel and kerosene will now retail at Sh206.97, Sh206.84 and Sh152.78 respectively.
EPRA said the prices were computed in accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act, 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022, alongside applicable tax adjustments under existing fiscal laws.
Despite the increase, the regulator noted that Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products has been reduced from 16 per cent to 13 per cent in a bid to cushion consumers from rising global oil prices.
The government also said it will deploy approximately Sh6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to help stabilise pump prices during the review period.
Motorists warn of economic pressure
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) warned that the new prices will deepen pressure on households and businesses already grappling with high living costs.
“Any upward adjustment in fuel prices has a direct and immediate impact on transport costs and the prices of basic commodities,” the association said in a statement.
It added that sustained increases risk worsening inflationary pressures across the economy.
Wandayi defends pricing framework in Parliament
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi told Parliament that Kenya’s fuel pricing remains heavily influenced by international market forces, particularly crude oil trends and exchange rate fluctuations.
“Domestic fuel prices are largely determined by global market dynamics and the landed cost of petroleum products,” Wandayi said.
He defended government interventions, noting that the Petroleum Development Levy Fund continues to play a stabilising role.
“The levy fund remains a critical buffer to cushion consumers during periods of global price volatility,” he said.
Wandayi also said ongoing reforms in the energy sector are aimed at improving long-term price stability and reducing exposure to external shocks.
The new EPRA prices take effect at midnight and will remain in force for the next 30-day review cycle ending May 14, 2026.
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