Kenya's Fuel Prices Cross £1.30 Per Litre as EPRA Implements Record Increases
Nairobi, 14 April 2026
Kenyan motorists face unprecedented fuel costs as petrol reaches 206.97 Kenyan shillings (approximately £1.33) per litre following today’s regulatory announcement. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority imposed increases of 28.69 shillings for petrol and 40.30 shillings for diesel, driven by global crude oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions. Despite government intervention through a 6.2 billion shilling subsidy and VAT reduction from 16% to 13%, these represent some of Kenya’s steepest fuel price rises in recent history. The increases will cascade through the economy, affecting transport costs, agricultural expenses, and manufacturing overheads for the next 30 days, with inflation concerns mounting across this import-dependent nation.
Price Surge Follows Previous Corruption Revelations
The dramatic fuel price increases announced today come just weeks after President William Ruto’s decisive crackdown on petroleum industry cartels following a multi-billion shilling manipulation scandal. The previous investigation revealed that officials had falsified national fuel stock data to justify emergency procurement outside government frameworks, leading to the resignation of three senior energy officials including the Petroleum Principal Secretary. Today’s price surge raises fresh questions about whether the earlier corruption contributed to the current pricing pressures facing Kenyan consumers. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced on 14 April 2026 that super petrol would retail at KSh 206.97 per litre and diesel at KSh 206.84 per litre in Nairobi, effective from 15 April to 14 May 2026 [1][2]. These increases represent a KSh 28.69 rise for petrol and KSh 40.30 increase for diesel [1][2], whilst kerosene prices remain unchanged at KSh 152.78 per litre [1][2].
Global Oil Market Pressures Drive Unprecedented Increases
The substantial price rises reflect dramatic shifts in global energy markets, with crude oil prices surging past $100 per barrel over the past month since 14 March 2026 [1]. Kenya’s vulnerability to these external shocks stems from its complete reliance on imported fuel, making the nation susceptible to both global oil price volatility and exchange rate pressures [1]. The impact of these global pressures is evident in the landing costs of imported fuel, which experienced extraordinary increases during March 2026. Super petrol’s average landing cost surged by 41.53 per cent from US$582.11 per cubic metre in February 2026 to US$823.87 per cubic metre in March 2026 [2]. Diesel costs increased even more dramatically by 68.72 per cent, rising from US$636.45 to US$1,073.82 per cubic metre [2]. Most striking was the 105.15 per cent surge in kerosene costs, which jumped from US$639.48 to US$1,311.93 per cubic metre during the same period [2].
Government Intervention Attempts to Cushion Impact
Despite the severe global pressures, the Kenyan government has implemented several measures to mitigate the impact on consumers. The administration deployed approximately KSh 6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to help stabilise pump prices [1][2]. Additionally, authorities reduced the Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 13 per cent [1][2], a move incorporated into the new pricing structure through Legal Notice No.69 of 14 April 2026 [2]. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi had previously warned that fuel prices would surge following Middle East conflicts, though he assured the public that the country maintained adequate fuel stocks [2]. Members of Parliament, led by David Gikaria, reinforced this message on 13 April 2026, stating that Kenya possessed sufficient petroleum reserves across its major depots in Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Eldoret [1].
Economic Ripple Effects Expected Across Sectors
The fuel price increases will have immediate and far-reaching implications across Kenya’s economy, affecting transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and potentially driving overall inflation [1]. Acting Director General Dr Joseph Oketch emphasised EPRA’s commitment to ‘the observance of fair competition and protection of the interests of both consumers and investors in the energy and petroleum sectors’ [1]. The timing proves particularly challenging for motorists who crowded fuel stations before the 13 April price increase announcement [1]. Kenya’s fuel pricing model operates on a lag system, basing current pump prices on fuel imported weeks earlier, which means the full impact of recent global price surges may continue to affect consumers in coming months [1]. For refugee camps near Kakuma and Kalobeyei, these price increases will significantly impact transport costs for essential goods and services, affecting both refugee and host community access to basic commodities. The 30-day pricing cycle means these elevated costs will remain in effect until mid-May 2026 [1][2], with potential for further adjustments depending on global market conditions.