Kenyan Fuel Prices Drop as EPRA Cuts Petrol and Diesel Costs for February
Nairobi, 15 January 2026
Kenyan motorists receive welcome relief as fuel prices decrease across the country, with petrol falling by 2 shillings per litre and diesel by 1 shilling. The cuts, effective from 15 January to 14 February 2026, bring Nairobi prices to KSh 182.52 for petrol and KSh 170.47 for diesel. This reduction stems from lower global oil costs, particularly an 8.92% drop in kerosene import prices.
Price Reductions Across Major Urban Centres
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, that fuel prices would decrease significantly across Kenya’s major cities [1]. In Mombasa, motorists will pay KSh 179.24 for super petrol, KSh 167.19 for diesel, and KSh 150.49 for kerosene [2]. Nakuru residents will see prices of KSh 181.56 for petrol, KSh 169.87 for diesel, and KSh 153.21 for kerosene [2]. These reductions represent meaningful savings for consumers who have faced mounting economic pressures in recent months.
Global Market Forces Drive Down Import Costs
The price cuts reflect significant changes in international petroleum markets during December 2025. The average landed cost of imported super petrol decreased by 0.1% from USD 592.84 per cubic metre in November 2025 to USD 592.24 per cubic metre in December 2025 [2][3]. More substantial reductions occurred in diesel imports, which fell by 4.2% from USD 654.24 to USD 626.75 per cubic metre [2][3]. Kerosene experienced the most dramatic decline, dropping 8.92% from USD 667.05 to USD 607.55 per cubic metre [2][3]. These import cost reductions provided EPRA with the economic justification to lower retail prices for Kenyan consumers.
Remote Areas See Proportional Relief Despite Higher Base Prices
Communities in Kenya’s most remote regions, including refugee-hosting areas, continue to face higher fuel costs but benefit from the same proportional reductions. Historical data shows Kakuma, which hosts one of the world’s largest refugee camps, had petrol prices of KSh 193.99 during the previous pricing period from 15 December 2025 to 14 January 2026 [4]. Dadaab, another major refugee-hosting area, recorded petrol at KSh 193.75 during the same period [4]. While these remote locations consistently face higher transport and logistics costs that drive up fuel prices, the EPRA reductions will provide proportional relief to both host communities and humanitarian operations serving refugee populations.
Economic Implications for Transport and Essential Services
EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo emphasised the authority’s commitment to ‘balancing market dynamics with affordability for consumers while safeguarding investors’ interests’ [2]. The fuel price reductions are expected to have cascading effects on transportation costs, which could reduce the prices of essential goods reaching remote areas including refugee camps. The pricing structure includes the 16% Value Added Tax in accordance with the Finance Act 2023 and Tax Laws Amendment Act 2024 [2][3]. These reductions will remain in effect until 14 February 2026, providing a month of relief for motorists and transport operators across Kenya’s diverse geographical landscape.