NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government will take measures to cushion households and businesses from rising fuel prices, as global market pressures continue to push costs upward.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mochengo–Ayora–Maroo Road in Kisii County on Wednesday, the President acknowledged mounting economic challenges linked to high energy costs.
“There are many challenges facing the country right now, including fuel prices,” he said.
Ruto pointed to the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement as a key intervention that has helped stabilise supply and cushion Kenya against external shocks.
“We adopted the G-to-G arrangement, which helped stabilise our country at a time when many others were going through very difficult circumstances,” he said.
He noted that geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions, particularly in the Middle East, have contributed to rising global oil prices.
“Prices have gone up globally, but we have put in place measures to ensure they do not rise too high locally,” he said.
The President revealed that the government has allocated Sh6.5 billion towards fuel subsidies to ease pressure on consumers.
“We have allocated Sh6.5 billion for fuel subsidy and reduced VAT to moderate prices,” Ruto said.
The remarks come after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices for the April–May 2026 pricing cycle.
Under the latest review:
- Super Petrol increased by Sh28.69 per litre
- Diesel rose by Sh40.30 per litre
- Kerosene prices remained unchanged
In Nairobi, the maximum retail prices now stand at:
- Sh206.97 per litre for petrol
- Sh206.84 for diesel
- Sh152.78 for kerosene
The new prices took effect from April 15 and will remain in force until May 14, 2026.
EPRA said the adjustments reflect a surge in international petroleum prices and exchange rate pressures, although the government reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel products from 16% to 13% to cushion consumers.
Ruto emphasised that Kenya remains relatively stable compared to some countries facing fuel shortages.
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“As we speak, some countries do not have fuel at their pumps, but here in Kenya we have enough,” he said.
He added that the G-to-G model has strengthened Kenya’s supply chain resilience and regional competitiveness.
“The arrangement has made Kenya more competitive. There are countries in the region without fuel, but we have ensured stable supply,” he added.
The latest fuel price increases are expected to have a ripple effect across the economy, particularly in transport, manufacturing, and food prices, as businesses adjust to higher operating costs.
Economists warn that sustained increases in global oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply constraints, could continue to exert pressure on inflation in the coming months.
