NAIROBI, Kenya — Motorists across Kenya will face higher fuel costs over the next month after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in pump prices for the period between April 15 and May 14, 2026.
In its latest monthly review, the regulator said the price of Super Petrol has risen by KSh28.69 per litre, while Diesel has increased by KSh40.30. The price of Kerosene remains unchanged.
The adjustment reflects sustained pressure from global oil markets, exchange rate volatility, and the application of statutory taxes, even as the government moves to cushion consumers.
Acting EPRA Director General Joseph Oketch said targeted tax interventions had been introduced to mitigate the impact on households and businesses.
“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 as a result of the escalated prices in the international market,” he said.
He added that the government would deploy the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund to stabilise prices.
“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.”
“We wish to reiterate that as per the earlier directive from Government, the Super Petrol delivered by One Petroleum ex MT Paloma has not been included in the computation of the applicable prices.”
New pump prices
In Nairobi, motorists will now pay:
- Super Petrol: KSh206.87 per litre
- Diesel: KSh206.84 per litre
- Kerosene: KSh152.78 per litre
In Mombasa:
- Petrol: KSh203.69
- Diesel: KSh203.56
- Kerosene: KSh149.49
In Kisumu:
- Petrol: KSh206.85
- Diesel: KSh207.06
- Kerosene: KSh153.03
EPRA attributed the steep rise primarily to a surge in landed fuel costs, the price at which petroleum products are imported into Kenya.
Between February and March:
- Super Petrol landed cost rose by 41.53%
- Diesel increased by 68.72%
- Kerosene surged by 105.15%
The regulator noted that global oil prices remain volatile, driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and production decisions by major oil-exporting countries.
Also Read: Kenya among Africa’s most expensive fuel markets: Petrol and diesel prices highest in EAC
Since petroleum is traded in US dollars, the weakening of the Kenyan shilling continues to amplify the cost burden locally.
The latest increase is expected to:
- Push up transport and logistics costs
- Exert further pressure on inflation
- Affect food prices and household spending
Despite the price hike, EPRA maintains that its pricing framework is designed to balance consumer protection with cost recovery for oil marketing companies.
The new prices took effect at midnight on April 14 and will remain in place until May 14, 2026.
