Kenya Slashes Fuel Prices as Global Oil Costs Drop
Nairobi, 14 February 2026
Kenyan motorists will pay significantly less at the pump from 15 February 2026, with petrol prices falling by £2.83 per litre to £11.89 in Nairobi. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority attributed the reduction to declining international oil costs, with imported petrol costs dropping 2.69% and diesel falling a sharp 6.37%. This marks the second consecutive monthly price cut, providing crucial relief to consumers amid economic pressures. Regional variations persist, with coastal areas enjoying lower prices due to proximity to import terminals, whilst northern counties face premiums exceeding £13.34 per litre due to transport costs.
Price Breakdown Across Major Urban Centres
The latest pricing review reveals stark regional variations in fuel costs across Kenya’s major urban centres. In Nairobi, super petrol will retail at Sh178.28 per litre, diesel at Sh166.54 per litre, and kerosene at Sh152.78 per litre from 15 February to 14 March 2026 [1][2][3]. Mombasa enjoys the lowest prices nationally, with super petrol at Sh175.00 per litre, diesel at Sh163.26, and kerosene at Sh149.49, reflecting the coastal city’s strategic position as Kenya’s main petroleum import hub [3]. Other major towns show marginal variations: Nakuru will see petrol at Sh177.34 per litre and diesel at Sh165.95, whilst Eldoret records petrol at Sh178.16 and diesel at Sh166.77 [3]. These prices include the 16% Value Added Tax mandated under the Finance Act 2023 and Tax Laws Amendment Act 2024 [1][2].
Northern Counties Face Substantial Transport Premiums
Remote northern counties continue to bear significantly higher fuel costs due to substantial transport expenses from the coast. Mandera residents will pay Sh200.41 per litre for petrol and Sh188.72 for diesel, representing premiums of 22.13 Sh22.13 and 22.18 Sh22.18 respectively above Nairobi prices [3]. Similarly, Elwak faces petrol costs of Sh196.43 per litre, whilst Moyale and Wajir record prices of Sh194.22 and Sh193.93 respectively for super petrol [3]. These disparities highlight the continued infrastructure challenges facing Kenya’s northern frontier counties, where transport costs from Mombasa significantly inflate retail fuel prices. For communities in Turkana County and other remote areas, these elevated fuel costs directly impact the cost of goods and services, affecting both local residents and refugee populations who depend on trucked-in supplies.
Global Market Dynamics Drive Local Price Relief
The price reductions stem directly from declining international petroleum costs, with Kenya importing all its refined petroleum products and remaining vulnerable to global market fluctuations [1][2]. The average landed cost of imported super petrol decreased by 2.69% from US$592.24 per cubic metre in December 2025 to US$576.34 in January 2026 [1][3]. Diesel recorded the sharpest decline, falling 6.37% from US$733.36 per cubic metre to US$686.80, whilst kerosene decreased more modestly by 1.44% to US$598.82 over the same period [1][2]. International crude oil prices also softened, with Murban crude averaging US$65.53 per barrel in January 2026, down from US$65.79 in December 2025 [1]. These global trends, combined with exchange rate movements affecting the dollar-to-shilling conversion during price computations, directly influence Kenya’s domestic fuel costs [2][3].
Regulatory Framework Balances Consumer Protection and Market Viability
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria emphasised that the monthly price controls aim to protect consumers whilst allowing legitimate cost recovery for importers and distributors [3]. The regulatory framework under the Petroleum Act 2019 is designed to cap retail prices while ensuring that prudent importation and distribution costs are recovered [1]. This represents the second consecutive monthly price reduction since the beginning of 2026, following a Sh2.00 per litre cut in the January-February cycle [2]. The authority maintains its commitment to fair competition and protecting interests of both consumers and investors in Kenya’s fully import-dependent petroleum market [1][3]. For the coming month until 14 March 2026, these reduced prices are expected to provide relief to transport operators and households, potentially easing inflationary pressures on goods and services across both urban centres and remote regions including refugee-hosting areas in northern Kenya.