EPRA Increases Prices of Super Petrol, Diesel & Kerosene in Latest Review
Kenyans are facing a new financial storm after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) dropped a bombshell in their latest fuel price review. Super petrol, diesel, and kerosene have shot up by Ksh8.99, Ksh8.67, and Ksh9.65 per litre, respectively.
As of July 15, motorists in Nairobi will now part with Ksh186.31 for a litre of petrol, Ksh171.58 for diesel, and Ksh156.58 for kerosene.
“This is going to cripple our daily movement,” lamented Martin Kamau, a Nairobi taxi driver.
“How are we expected to survive this economic turmoil?”
Nationwide Impact
In Mombasa, residents will pay Ksh183.02 for petrol, Ksh168.30 for diesel, and Ksh153.29 for kerosene. In Kisumu, prices have jumped to Ksh186.15 for petrol, Ksh171.78 for diesel, and Ksh156.83 for kerosene.
In Nakuru, super petrol will retail at Ksh185.33, while diesel and kerosene will sell at Ksh170.97 and Ksh156.01 per litre, respectively. Eldoret has also been hit with Ksh186.15 for petrol, Ksh171.80 for diesel, and Ksh156.83 for kerosene.
EPRA Speaks Out
In a detailed statement, EPRA explained:
“Per Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022, we have calculated the maximum retail prices of petroleum products which will be in force from July 15 to August 14.”
“The prices are inclusive of the 16% VAT in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation under Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.”
The Global Trigger
The surge is blamed on the rising cost of importing petroleum. The average landed cost of super petrol increased by 6.45%, from US$590.24 (Ksh76,436) per cubic metre in May to US$628.30 (Ksh81,169) in June.
Diesel rose by 6.27%, from US$580.23 to US$616.59. Kerosene followed with a 6.95% spike, now costing US$608.54 (Ksh78,616) per cubic metre.
Public Outrage
The reaction across the country has been immediate and intense.
“Everything is going to go up now – food, transport, electricity. This is a disaster!” cried Ann Wambui, a trader in Gikomba.
Matatu operators have also hinted at fare hikes.
“We’ll have no choice but to adjust our fares if the government doesn’t step in,” said a representative from a Nairobi-based matatu association.
Kenyans Demand Relief
“How do you explain this to a parent who has to choose between fueling their car or buying food for the family?” posed economist Fredrick Otieno.
Despite the backlash, EPRA maintained its stand that the prices are beyond its control.
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EPRA Increases Prices of Super Petrol, Diesel & Kerosene in Latest Review
