Motorists across Kenya are set to dig deeper into their pockets after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices for the period between April 15 and May 14, 2026.
In its latest monthly review released on Tuesday, EPRA indicated that the price of Super Petrol has increased by KSh 28.69 per litre, while Diesel has risen by KSh 40.30 per litre. The price of Kerosene, however, remains unchanged.
Sharp Rise Driven by Global Market Pressures
According to EPRA, the adjustments reflect rising international petroleum prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and the continued application of statutory taxes under the Value Added Tax (VAT) framework.
Acting EPRA Director General Dr. Joseph Oketch noted that the government has made efforts to cushion consumers despite the surge in global fuel costs.
“Effectively, the Value Added Tax rate on Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene has been reduced from 16% to 13% in order to cushion consumers from the high landed cost of petroleum products,” said Oketch.
He added that the government will further stabilise prices through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL).
“The Government will further cushion the consumers through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund by utilizing approximately KSh 6.2 billion to stabilize the pump prices.”
New Fuel Prices Across Major Cities
Following the latest adjustments, fuel prices have crossed the KSh 200 mark in several towns:
Nairobi:
- Super Petrol: KSh 206.87 per litre
- Diesel: KSh 206.84 per litre
- Kerosene: KSh 152.78 per litre
Mombasa:
- Super Petrol: KSh 203.69
- Diesel: KSh 203.56
- Kerosene: KSh 149.49
Kisumu:
- Super Petrol: KSh 206.85
- Diesel: KSh 207.06
- Kerosene: KSh 153.03
The new prices took effect at midnight on April 14 and will remain in force until May 14, 2026.
Landed Costs Surge Dramatically
EPRA attributed the price hike largely to a spike in landed costs—the price at which fuel is imported into the country—between February and March.
During the review period:
- Super Petrol landed cost rose by 41.53%
- Diesel increased by 68.72%
- Kerosene surged by 105.15%
These increases reflect volatility in global fuel markets, where petroleum products are traded in US dollars.
Exchange Rate and Taxes Still Key Factors
The regulator emphasised that the exchange rate continues to play a crucial role in determining local fuel prices, given Kenya’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
At the same time, taxes remain a significant component of pump prices, even as the government attempts to ease the burden through VAT adjustments and subsidies.
EPRA also clarified that fuel delivered under specific arrangements—such as cargo from MT Paloma—was not included in the pricing computation.
Balancing Consumer Protection and Market Stability
Despite the steep increase, EPRA maintained that the pricing framework is guided by regulations designed to ensure fairness, competition, and consumer protection, while allowing oil marketers to recover costs.
However, the latest hike is expected to have a ripple effect across the economy, pushing up transport costs and the prices of basic commodities, further straining households already grappling with a high cost of living.
