CS Wandayi Confirms Diesel Price Cut as Government Moves to Ease Cost of Living Pressure

CS Wandayi Confirms Diesel Price Cut as Government Moves to Ease Cost of Living Pressure

Kenyans could soon enjoy relief at the fuel pump after the government confirmed plans to lower diesel prices in the upcoming June–July fuel review, following a directive issued by President William Ruto aimed at cushioning households, businesses and the transport sector from rising energy costs.

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Friday affirmed that the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum will implement the President’s directive requiring a reduction in diesel prices, signaling what could become one of the most significant interventions in recent months to ease the cost of living burden facing millions of Kenyans.

The anticipated adjustment is expected to be announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) during its next monthly fuel pricing review, with consumers keenly awaiting details of the revised pump prices.

Speaking on the matter, Wandayi stressed that the ministry remains committed to implementing government policy and carrying out directives issued by the Head of State.

“I, as the Energy minister who works under the instructions of the president, my work is to adhere to the instructions of the president. We will fulfil the reduction of diesel prices as directed by the president,” Wandayi stated.

The confirmation comes weeks after President Ruto met stakeholders in the transport sector in Mombasa, where concerns were raised about the impact of fuel prices on transport costs, food prices and overall economic activity.

During that engagement, the President directed that diesel prices be reduced by Ksh10 per litre in the next pricing cycle, arguing that lowering fuel costs would help stabilize the economy and provide relief to consumers already grappling with high living expenses.

If fully implemented, diesel prices in Nairobi are expected to fall from the current Ksh232.86 per litre to approximately Ksh222.86 per litre. The prices of super petrol and kerosene will be determined when EPRA releases its official review on June 14.

Diesel remains one of the most critical fuels in Kenya’s economy because it powers public transport vehicles, trucks, agricultural machinery and industrial operations. Any movement in diesel prices often has a direct impact on the cost of transporting goods and services across the country.

As a result, government officials believe the planned reduction could contribute to easing inflationary pressures in key sectors, particularly transportation and food distribution.

Wandayi also challenged public service vehicle operators and other transport stakeholders to ensure that any reduction in fuel costs is reflected in passenger fares.

“It should not be that when fuel prices go up, they hike fares but when fuel prices go down, the fares remain the same,” he said.

The CS noted that fairness within the transport sector requires operators to adjust fares both upwards and downwards depending on fuel price movements.

His remarks come amid growing concerns among consumers who have often complained that fare increases are implemented immediately whenever fuel costs rise, while reductions rarely translate into lower transport charges.

According to Wandayi, fuel pricing in Kenya continues to be influenced by developments in the global oil market, making local prices vulnerable to international economic and geopolitical events.

He explained that seasonal demand trends and international conflicts have contributed significantly to recent fuel market volatility.

“Global market dynamics continue to affect fuel pricing,” Wandayi observed, noting that increased diesel consumption in parts of Europe during colder seasons places additional pressure on global supply.

The CS further cited ongoing tensions in the Middle East as another factor affecting petroleum markets, saying disruptions to refinery operations in some regions have tightened global supply chains and contributed to price instability.

Despite these challenges, the government maintains that interventions through the Petroleum Development Levy have played a crucial role in shielding consumers from sharper increases that could have pushed fuel prices even higher.

The anticipated diesel reduction is likely to be welcomed by businesses, transport operators and ordinary Kenyans, many of whom have faced mounting economic pressures over the past year.

As the country awaits EPRA’s official announcement, attention will now shift to whether the expected price cut translates into lower transport costs and broader economic relief, fulfilling the government’s pledge to ease the burden on consumers while maintaining stability in the energy sector.

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CS Wandayi Confirms Diesel Price Cut as Government Moves to Ease Cost of Living Pressure