Fuel costs across East Africa have continued to rise sharply, with Kenya now emerging as one of the most expensive countries in the region for petrol and diesel. A fresh review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) shows that Kenyan motorists are paying significantly more compared to neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
The latest adjustment, announced on Tuesday, April 14, reflects a broader trend of rising global import costs, exchange rate pressure, and increased landing costs for petroleum products.
EPRA Announces New Fuel Price Adjustment
In its monthly pricing update, EPRA revised pump prices upward after a major spike in international landing costs of imported petroleum products.
The regulator reported that:
- The landing cost of super petrol increased by 41.53%
- Diesel surged by 68.72%
- Kerosene recorded an even sharper rise of 105.15%
These increases pushed retail pump prices higher across the country despite government efforts to cushion consumers through tax adjustments.
To reduce the burden on consumers, EPRA reduced VAT on petrol, diesel, and kerosene from 16% to 13%, but this was not enough to offset the global cost pressures.
According to the regulator, super petrol increased by KSh 28.69 per litre, while diesel rose by KSh 40.30 per litre during the review period.
Current Fuel Prices in Nairobi
In the capital city of Nairobi, fuel now sells at:
- Petrol: KSh 206.97 per litre
- Diesel: KSh 206.81 per litre
- Kerosene: KSh 152.78 per litre
These prices reflect the impact of higher import costs and currency fluctuations, which continue to affect the downstream petroleum market.
Why Fuel Prices Are Rising
The sharp rise in fuel prices is largely linked to increased global landing costs of refined petroleum products. EPRA’s data shows a significant jump between February and March 2026:
- Super petrol rose from US$582.11 to US$823.87 per cubic metre
- Diesel climbed from US$636.45 to US$1,073.82 per cubic metre
- Kerosene surged from US$639.48 to US$1,311.93 per cubic metre
These increases are driven by global supply chain pressures, crude oil price volatility, and foreign exchange challenges affecting importation costs.
Tanzania Also Records Fuel Price Increases
In neighbouring Tanzania, the Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (Energy and Water Regulatory Authority) announced revised fuel prices in early April.
In Dar es Salaam, the price adjustments included:
- Petrol rising by TSh 956 to TSh 3,820 per litre
- Diesel increasing to TSh 3,806 per litre
- Kerosene reaching TSh 3,684 per litre
These adjustments reflect similar regional pressures affecting fuel importation and distribution costs.
Regional Comparison: Kenya Pays More Than Neighbours
Across East Africa, Kenya remains among the highest-priced fuel markets. A comparison shows:
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, petrol sells at around US$0.906 (KSh 117 per litre), meaning Kenyan motorists pay approximately KSh 89 more per litre.
Uganda
In Uganda, petrol costs about USh 5,290 (KSh 184.18), which is still lower than Kenya’s current pump price.
Rwanda
In Rwanda, fuel prices stand at around RWF 2,303 (KSh 203.15) per litre.
Burundi
In Burundi, petrol costs approximately US$1.35 (KSh 174.42) per litre.
This comparison highlights Kenya’s position as one of the most expensive fuel markets in the region, driven by higher taxes, import costs, and distribution expenses.
Impact on Transport and Daily Life
The Kenya Transporters Association has announced plans to increase fares by up to 30%, effective immediately following the latest EPRA adjustment.
Association chairman Albert Karakacha confirmed that operators can no longer absorb the rising fuel costs, which have significantly reduced profit margins in the transport sector.
This is expected to affect:
- Long-distance bus fares
- Matatu transport fares in urban areas
- Logistics and freight charges
- Commodity prices in retail markets
What This Means for Consumers
For ordinary citizens, the continuous rise in fuel prices translates to:
- Higher cost of commuting
- Increased food and goods prices
- Rising cost of business operations
- Reduced purchasing power
Economists warn that sustained fuel inflation may contribute to broader cost-of-living pressures unless global oil prices stabilize.
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