EPRA Revises April-May Fuel Prices, Petrol to Sell at Ksh197.60
Motorists across Kenya have received a reprieve after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a downward revision of fuel prices for the April–May 2026 cycle, following a recent tax adjustment by the National Treasury.
In a statement issued on April 15, 2026, EPRA confirmed that the latest review was triggered by a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products, effected by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. The VAT rate was lowered from 13 per cent to 8 per cent, prompting a recalculation of the maximum retail pump prices.
“The adjustment in VAT has necessitated a review of the maximum retail prices for petroleum products for the period April 16 to May 14, 2026,” EPRA stated.
As a result of the tax cut, the price of Super Petrol in Nairobi dropped by Ksh9.37 per litre, while Diesel decreased by Ksh10.21 per litre. Kerosene prices, however, remained unchanged during this cycle, although the subsidy on the product was revised.
Under the new pricing structure, Super Petrol in Nairobi will retail at Ksh197.60 per litre, Diesel at Ksh196.63, and Kerosene at Ksh152.78. EPRA clarified that while kerosene prices were not reduced, the subsidy had been adjusted downward from Ksh108.10 per litre to Ksh96.56.
The regulator noted that the price reduction is expected to provide much-needed relief to households and businesses that had begun grappling with rising fuel costs, particularly following an earlier increase announced just a day prior.
Across other major towns, the revised prices reflect similar reductions. In Mombasa, Super Petrol will retail at Ksh194.32 per litre and Diesel at Ksh193.35, while Kerosene remains unchanged at Ksh149.49. In Nakuru and Kisumu, Super Petrol will retail at Ksh196.66 and Ksh197.48 respectively, while Diesel will cost Ksh196.04 in Nakuru and Ksh196.85 in Kisumu.
The latest adjustment comes against the backdrop of a dramatic fuel price hike announced on April 14, 2026, which had sparked widespread public concern. In that earlier review, EPRA increased the price of Super Petrol by Ksh28.69 per litre and Diesel by Ksh40.30, pushing prices in Nairobi to Ksh206.97 and Ksh206.84 respectively.
The sudden reversal, driven by the VAT reduction, has been welcomed by stakeholders in the transport and business sectors, who had warned of a ripple effect on the cost of goods and services.
Industry players note that fuel costs are a key determinant of economic activity, influencing transportation, manufacturing, and overall market prices. The reduction is therefore expected to ease inflationary pressures, at least in the short term.
“This adjustment is likely to stabilise transport costs and provide temporary relief to consumers and businesses,” a sector analyst observed.
However, economists caution that while tax measures can offer immediate relief, long-term price stability will depend on global oil market trends and domestic fiscal sustainability.
The government’s balancing act between cushioning consumers and maintaining revenue streams remains a critical factor in future fuel pricing decisions.
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EPRA Revises April-May Fuel Prices, Petrol to Sell at Ksh197.60
