EPRA Raises Fuel Prices in Kenya as Petrol Hits KSh226.96 and Kerosene Records Biggest Increase

Motorists and households across Kenya are set to face higher living and transport costs after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in maximum retail fuel prices. The latest review, announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, follows a rise in the cost of imported petroleum products during September.

Under the new rates, super petrol in Nairobi will retail at KSh226.96 per litre, while diesel will cost KSh227.76 and kerosene KSh219.87. The increases take effect at midnight, with kerosene recording the largest adjustment, followed by petrol and diesel.

EPRA Director General Edward Kinyua attributed the changes to rising international fuel costs, describing September as the most difficult month since the Middle East crisis began. He said the average landed cost of imported super petrol increased by 11.81 per cent, from US$874.26 per cubic metre in August to US$977.55 in September.

Diesel import costs also rose by 11.32 per cent, climbing from US$957.05 to US$1,065.38 per cubic metre over the same period. Meanwhile, the landed cost of kerosene increased by 9.41 per cent, from US$1,003.87 to US$1,098.31 per cubic metre, putting additional pressure on the domestic pricing structure.

The government is maintaining measures intended to cushion consumers from the increases, including a reduction in value-added tax on super petrol, diesel and kerosene from 16 per cent to eight per cent. The relief, which took effect on April 15, 2026, has been extended until January 14, 2027, while the Petroleum Development Levy Fund continues to support price stabilisation efforts.

Kinyua warned that the approaching Northern Hemisphere winter could place further pressure on global fuel markets as demand for diesel and kerosene rises. He also explained that the sharp increase in kerosene prices was partly intended to narrow the price gap between kerosene and motor fuels, reducing incentives for adulteration, a practice that has raised concerns among transport operators. The latest adjustments are expected to affect transport fares, business operating expenses and household budgets as Kenya continues to respond to changes in international petroleum prices.

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