CS Wandayi Issues Fresh Fuel Price Warning as Global Situation Remains Fluid

CS Wandayi Issues Fresh Fuel Price Warning as Global Situation Remains Fluid

Kenyans may have to wait longer for a significant reduction in fuel prices as the government warns that uncertainty in the global oil market continues to put pressure on petroleum costs.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the volatile situation in the Middle East remained a major concern as Kenya prepares for the next fuel price review.

Wandayi spoke in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during a meeting with TukTuk operators, where he urged Kenyans to remain patient as the government works with stakeholders to manage fuel availability and affordability.

“We shall continue to work with all the stakeholders, even as we contend with the fact that the situation at the global stage remains very fluid,” Wandayi said.

His remarks came ahead of the expected announcement by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on the new prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene.

The new prices are expected to apply from September 15 to October 14, with motorists and businesses closely watching whether the review will bring relief at the pump.

Government outlines measures to control fuel prices

Wandayi said the government had taken several measures to protect consumers from the effects of international oil market volatility.

Among the measures cited by the CS is the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16% to 8%.

The government has also been using funds from the Petroleum Development Levy to cushion consumers against sharp increases in fuel prices.

“All these put together have significantly helped in mitigating the impact of this raging crisis in the Middle East,” Wandayi stated.

The CS maintained that the government was focused on ensuring that the country does not experience disruptions in fuel supplies despite the uncertainty affecting international markets.

He also acknowledged that petroleum products would remain important to Kenya’s economy even as the country moves towards electric mobility.

“Even as we transition to e-mobility, we recognise that it is a journey, and in the meantime as a government, we have continued to proactively deal with issues of availability and affordability of petroleum products,” Wandayi said.

Middle East tensions raise oil supply concerns

The expected EPRA review comes against the backdrop of renewed tensions involving Iran and the United States, raising concerns about the stability of global oil supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly important to international energy markets because it is a major route for petroleum shipments from the Gulf region.

Any prolonged disruption along the strategic waterway could affect global crude oil supply and potentially increase prices in countries that rely heavily on imported petroleum.

Kenya imports most of the crude and refined petroleum products used domestically, making local fuel prices sensitive to changes in international oil prices, shipping costs and the exchange rate.

For Kenyan consumers, the EPRA announcement will therefore be closely watched, particularly by motorists, public transport operators, manufacturers and businesses that depend heavily on diesel and petrol.

Wandayi’s latest warning signals that any substantial reduction in pump prices will depend not only on domestic government measures but also on developments in the international oil market.

As EPRA prepares to announce the September fuel prices, Kenyans will be hoping for lower pump prices while the government continues to monitor the rapidly changing global situation.

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CS Wandayi Issues Fresh Fuel Price Warning as Global Situation Remains Fluid