New EPRA Fuel Price Changes Shake Up Kenyan Market
If you were hoping for stable fuel prices this month, you’re in for a surprise. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has just rolled out new fuel prices that are anything but flat—the second month in a row that’s seen adjustments rather than a freeze. Super petrol is now pricier, with a jump of Ksh2.69 per litre, while diesel and kerosene prices dropped by Ksh1.95 and Ksh2.06 per litre respectively.
In Nairobi, expect to hand over Ksh177.32 for every litre of super petrol at the pump. Diesel users will get some relief with a new rate of Ksh162.91 per litre, and kerosene—often used for lighting and cooking in many homes—now costs Ksh146.93 per litre. These numbers might sound small, but as any driver or business owner will tell you, even minor tweaks can ripple through family budgets and business margins.
Global Trends, Local Tax Changes Drive the Shift
These adjustments didn’t come out of nowhere. EPRA gives a nod to global oil prices, which have seesawed lately under pressure from market uncertainty and production cuts by major exporters. But there’s another key factor: fuel prices are also shaped by changes in local tax rules and excise duties—those indirect taxes you pay at the pump, which are now indexed to inflation. This means the government tweaks them each year based on rising costs of living, so every shilling counts more than ever.
You’re probably wondering: why the mixed bag, with petrol up and diesel and kerosene down? Super petrol, often tied to private transport and commercial activities, has been especially sensitive to global market spikes. Meanwhile, diesel, crucial for transport and agriculture, and kerosene, relied on by many rural households, have benefited a bit from slight softening in the cost of imports.
For many Kenyans, these changes bring mixed feelings. Higher petrol prices could bump up the cost of matatu fares or delivery services. On the flip side, those who depend on diesel engines or kerosene for home energy might catch a small break.
It’s a vivid reminder that when it comes to energy policy, every tweak—whether an increase or a decrease—carries its own ripple effect, hitting each sector a little differently. And with every monthly review, Kenyans hold their breath, waiting to see how the numbers will shuffle next.
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