EPRA Retains March–April Fuel Prices Unchanged, Petrol to Sell at Ksh178.28
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for the March–April pricing cycle, easing concerns among motorists and businesses that had braced for possible increases amid global geopolitical tensions.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 14, the regulator said Super Petrol will continue to retail at KSh 178.28 per litre in Nairobi, while Diesel will sell at KSh 166.54 and Kerosene at KSh 152.78 for the next 30 days.
“The prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will remain unchanged during the review period,” EPRA stated, noting that the announcement follows weeks of uncertainty driven by instability in the Middle East oil market.
Regional price variations remain in place due to transport and distribution costs. In Mombasa, motorists will pay KSh 175.00 per litre for petrol, KSh 163.26 for diesel, and KSh 149.49 for kerosene—among the lowest prices nationwide. In Nakuru, the respective prices are KSh 177.34, KSh 165.95, and KSh 152.21, while in Eldoret, petrol will retail at KSh 178.15, diesel at KSh 166.77, and kerosene at KSh 153.03.
EPRA explained that the regulated pump prices include a 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) as stipulated under the Finance Act 2023 and subsequent tax amendments, as well as inflation-adjusted excise duties.
According to EPRA, the pricing review considered cargoes received between February 10 and March 9, most of which were procured before the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Diesel recorded a sharper increase of 8.46 per cent, rising from KSh 75,873.24 (US$586.80) to KSh 82,292.99 (US$636.45), while Kerosene rose by 6.79 per cent to KSh 82,684.76 (US$639.48) per cubic metre over the same period.
“Most of the shipments were February-priced cargoes,” the regulator noted, indicating that recent geopolitical developments had not yet filtered into local pump prices.
Concerns had mounted that instability involving Iran could disrupt global oil supply chains, particularly through the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a vital corridor through which roughly 21 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes. Any disruption there could significantly affect countries like Kenya that rely heavily on imports from Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
To reassure the public, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the country has adequate fuel stocks and no immediate risk of shortages.
“Kenya has sufficient fuel reserves, and there is no cause for panic,” Wandayi said, adding that the government is working closely with oil marketing companies to maintain stable supply.
He confirmed that consultations with industry players had established that shipments would continue despite regional tensions.
The government’s reassurance comes amid speculation that a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger global price spikes and supply disruptions. Analysts warn that even temporary blockages could push crude oil prices sharply upward, with ripple effects on transport, food prices, and inflation worldwide.
For now, however, the decision to hold prices steady offers relief to households and businesses already grappling with a high cost of living.
“The government remains committed to ensuring stable supply and affordable prices within prevailing global conditions,” officials said.
EPRA’s next fuel price review is expected in mid-April, when the impact of ongoing geopolitical developments may become clearer.
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EPRA Retains March–April Fuel Prices Unchanged, Petrol to Sell at Ksh178.28
