Kenya’s energy regulator has announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, raising the cost of super petrol and diesel in a move that is already rippling through transport fares and the wider economy.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority) on Tuesday increased petrol prices by 28.69 Kenyan shillings per litre and diesel by 40.3 shillings per litre, citing a surge in imported fuel costs.
Following the adjustment, petrol now sells at 206.97 Kenyan shillings (about $1.60) per litre, while diesel stands at 206.84 shillings.
The regulator attributed the price hike to higher global fuel import costs, noting that Kenya relies heavily on imported petroleum products sourced mainly from Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
In the hours leading up to the new pricing, motorists rushed to fuel stations across the country, leading to long queues and congestion as consumers attempted to avoid higher costs.
Public transport operators quickly reacted to the changes, with minibuses increasing fares by about 25 percent overnight. Bus operators also raised fares by between $1.54 and $3.86 depending on distance and route.
The immediate increases in transport costs are expected to have broader economic effects, particularly on the prices of goods and services, as fuel remains a key input in logistics and distribution.
Kenya’s inflation rate stood at 4.4 percent in March, slightly up from 4.3 percent in February, with analysts warning that sustained fuel price increases could further intensify cost-of-living pressures.
Economists say the latest adjustment underscores the country’s vulnerability to global oil market fluctuations due to its heavy dependence on imported fuel.
