Petrol price rises by Ksh.28, Diesel by Ksh.40 in latest EPRA review
Motorists in Kenya are facing higher fuel costs starting today as the latest review by the energy regulator shows a sharp increase in the price of petrol and diesel.
Super petrol has gone up by nearly 29 shillings per litre, while diesel has risen by more than 40 shillings per litre. These changes take effect from April 15 and will last until the middle of May. The announcement comes at a time when many families and businesses are already struggling with the high cost of living, making every extra shilling at the pump feel like a heavy burden for daily commuters and transporters alike.
The new prices mean that in Nairobi, for example, a litre of super petrol will now cost about 207 shillings, and diesel will also sit just above 206 shillings. Similar increases apply in other major towns such as Mombasa and Kisumu, though the exact figures vary slightly by location. Kerosene prices, however, have stayed the same for now. These adjustments reflect the ongoing challenges in the global oil market, where the cost of bringing fuel into the country has climbed significantly in recent weeks due to higher international rates and shifts in the exchange value of the Kenyan shilling.
The government has taken some steps to ease the pressure on ordinary citizens. Officials have lowered the value-added tax rate on these fuels from 16 percent to 13 percent, and they are using around 6.2 billion shillings from a special petroleum fund to help keep pump prices from rising even more. The acting director general of the energy regulator, Dr Joseph Oketch, explained that these measures are meant to protect consumers from the full impact of expensive imported fuel. Even so, the rise still means higher expenses for those who rely on road transport every day.
For many Kenyans, the increase will hit hard in the coming weeks. Bus fares and motorbike taxi charges are likely to go up, raising the cost of getting to work or school. Shopkeepers and farmers who move goods across the country may pass on the extra expenses, which could push up the price of food and other basic items. Small businesses that depend on diesel generators or delivery vehicles will also feel the pinch, adding to the daily financial strain for households already dealing with tight budgets. While the regulator continues to monitor the situation, experts say that keeping a close eye on global oil trends and supporting local efforts to manage costs will be important in the months ahead.
