NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan motorists and businesses using diesel will get some relief at the pump after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) cut the maximum price of diesel by KSh5 per litre in its latest monthly review.
In Nairobi, a litre of diesel will now retail at a maximum of KSh217.86, down from KSh222.86.
The prices of Super Petrol and kerosene will remain unchanged at KSh214.03 and KSh191.38 per litre, respectively.
The new prices take effect on Saturday, August 15, 2026, and will remain in force until September 14, 2026.
EPRA attributed the diesel reduction primarily to a significant decline in the average landed cost of imported diesel between June and July.
Government support keeps petrol prices unchanged
Despite changes in the cost of imported petroleum products, EPRA said Super Petrol and kerosene would have been subject to price changes without additional government intervention.
The authority said the government provided KSh938 million in additional stabilisation support to cushion consumers from the impact of changes in petroleum costs.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Diesel decreases by KSh5.00/litre while the price of Super Petrol and Kerosene remain unchanged due to additional Government Stabilisation Support Measures of KSh938 million,” EPRA said.
The intervention means motorists will continue paying the same maximum price for Super Petrol in Nairobi despite an increase in its imported cost during the review period.
Diesel import costs fall sharply
EPRA’s review shows that the average landed cost of imported diesel fell by 13.08 per cent, from KSh127,692.48 ($984.37) per cubic metre in June to KSh111,004.25 ($855.59) per cubic metre in July.
The decline in the cost of diesel imports provided room for EPRA to pass part of the savings on to consumers through the KSh5 reduction at the pump.
Kerosene also recorded a substantial decline in its landed cost, falling by 11.01 per cent from KSh133,374.21 ($1,028.17) to KSh118,713.40 ($915.01) per cubic metre.
Super Petrol moved in the opposite direction.
Its average landed cost increased by 6.99 per cent, rising from KSh108,565.26 ($836.92) to KSh123,112.88 ($948.92) per cubic metre.
Despite that increase, the pump price of Super Petrol was maintained through the additional government stabilisation measures.
New fuel prices across major cities
The revised prices vary depending on location, reflecting differences in transport and distribution costs.
In Mombasa, Super Petrol will retail at a maximum of KSh210.87 per litre, diesel at KSh214.58 and kerosene at KSh188.09.
In Nakuru, the maximum prices will be KSh212.92 for Super Petrol, KSh217.27 for diesel and KSh190.81 for kerosene.
In Eldoret, Super Petrol will cost KSh213.69 per litre, diesel KSh218.09 and kerosene KSh191.63.
In Kisumu, Super Petrol will retail at KSh213.69, diesel at KSh218.08 and kerosene at KSh191.63 per litre.
| Town | Super Petrol | Diesel | Kerosene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | KSh214.03 | KSh217.86 | KSh191.38 |
| Mombasa | KSh210.87 | KSh214.58 | KSh188.09 |
| Nakuru | KSh212.92 | KSh217.27 | KSh190.81 |
| Eldoret | KSh213.69 | KSh218.09 | KSh191.63 |
| Kisumu | KSh213.69 | KSh218.08 | KSh191.63 |
What the diesel cut means for consumers
The reduction is particularly significant for businesses and sectors that depend heavily on diesel, including freight transport, agriculture, manufacturing and public transport.
A lower diesel price can reduce operating costs for businesses that consume large quantities of fuel, although the extent to which those savings reach consumers will depend on how operators respond to the lower input costs.
Transport operators also closely watch EPRA’s monthly reviews because fuel costs form a significant component of the cost of moving goods and people across the country.
Also Read: EPRA’s latest fuel price review: What motorists will pay across Kenya
The KSh5 reduction therefore provides some relief to an economy that has faced elevated fuel costs, although diesel remains substantially more expensive than it was before the sharp increases recorded earlier in 2026.
Monthly review reflects mixed global trends
The latest decision reflects mixed movements in the cost of imported petroleum products.
While diesel and kerosene recorded significant declines in landed costs, Super Petrol became more expensive during the period under review.
EPRA’s monthly pricing mechanism takes into account factors including the landed cost of imported petroleum products, international market movements and applicable taxes and levies before determining the maximum retail prices.
The authority’s latest decision therefore reflects both changes in international petroleum costs and government intervention to cushion consumers from higher prices.
For Kenyan motorists, the immediate effect is straightforward: diesel becomes cheaper from August 15, while Super Petrol and kerosene remain at their current maximum prices.
The new rates will remain in force through September 14, 2026, when EPRA is expected to issue its next monthly review.
