EPRA Raises Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene Prices in Fresh Blow to Kenyan Consumers

Story by Monyonge O’kebati

Kenyan motorists and households will pay more for fuel following a fresh increase in the maximum retail prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

In its latest monthly review released on Wednesday, October 14, EPRA increased the price of Super Petrol by KSh 12.93 per litre, Diesel by KSh 9.90 and Kerosene by KSh 28.49. The new prices take effect on October 15 and remain in force until November 14, 2026.

The adjustment is expected to put additional pressure on household budgets and businesses, with higher fuel costs potentially translating into increased transport fares, distribution expenses and prices of essential commodities.

Kerosene recorded the largest increase, a development likely to affect low-income households that depend on the fuel for cooking and lighting.

According to EPRA, the price adjustments reflect increases in the average landed costs of imported refined petroleum products between August and September 2026.

The cost of importing Super Petrol rose by 11.81 per cent, from US$874.26 per cubic metre in August to US$977.55 in September. Diesel’s landed cost increased by 11.32 per cent, from US$957.05 to US$1,065.38 per cubic metre.

Kerosene recorded a 9.41 per cent increase in landed cost, rising from US$1,003.87 to US$1,098.31 per cubic metre over the same period.

Kenya imports its petroleum requirements in refined form, exposing the domestic market to fluctuations in international petroleum prices and the cost of importing fuel.

The regulator’s figures also show that the Kenya shilling remained relatively stable against the US dollar, with the exchange rate moving from KSh 129.72 in June 2026 to KSh 129.91 in September.

This suggests that the higher international landed costs were a significant factor in the latest review.

Impact on households and businesses

The latest increase could have wider economic consequences because petroleum products are central to Kenya’s transport and distribution networks.

An increase in Diesel prices is particularly significant for the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities across the country. Businesses facing higher fuel bills may seek to pass some of the additional costs on to consumers.

Motorists will also face higher refuelling expenses, while households using kerosene could experience a further squeeze on disposable income.

The extent to which the new rates affect the cost of living will depend partly on how transport operators, traders and other businesses respond to the higher fuel prices.

VAT remains at 8 per cent

EPRA said the maximum retail prices include Value Added Tax (VAT) at 8 per cent, in line with the government’s policy of cushioning consumers against the effects of high international petroleum prices.

The authority calculates the maximum allowable pump prices under Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act, 2019, and Legal Notice No. 192 of 2022.

The monthly review is intended to ensure that the costs of importing and supplying petroleum products, alongside other allowable costs, are recovered while maintaining regulated retail prices.

The latest adjustment nevertheless places renewed focus on the vulnerability of Kenyan consumers to international fuel-market movements, given the country’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

The new prices will remain in force for 30 days, until November 14, when the next monthly review is expected to determine whether pump prices will rise, fall or remain unchanged.