NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyans are bracing for a sharp rise in the cost of living after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a major increase in fuel prices for the May–June 2026 pricing cycle.
In the latest review effective from May 15 to June 14, 2026, the price of Super Petrol increased by Sh16.65 per litre while Diesel recorded a massive jump of Sh46.29 per litre. Kerosene prices remained unchanged.
The new prices now push fuel costs to some of the highest levels in Kenya’s history.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol will retail at Sh214.25 per litre, Diesel at Sh242.92 and Kerosene at Sh152.78. In Mombasa, motorists will pay Sh211.09 for petrol and Sh239.64 for diesel.
According to EPRA, the increase was caused by rising global petroleum prices and higher landed costs of imported fuel products.
The regulator noted that the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol rose by 10 per cent between March and April 2026, increasing from US$823.27 to US$906.23 per cubic metre.
Diesel recorded the sharpest increase, jumping by 20.32 per cent from US$1,073.82 to US$1,291.98 per cubic metre during the same period.
EPRA explained that Kenya imports all its petroleum products in refined form, exposing local prices to international market fluctuations and foreign exchange movements.
The regulator further stated that the prices include Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the Finance Act and existing petroleum pricing regulations.
Despite the increase, the government announced that it would use approximately Sh5 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to cushion consumers from even higher diesel and kerosene prices.
The latest review comes amid continued instability in global oil markets linked to tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Iran conflict that has disrupted supply chains and pushed up crude oil prices globally.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi recently admitted that global fuel prices had doubled in some markets, forcing Kenya to source petroleum products from alternative and more distant suppliers.
He, however, defended the government-to-government fuel importation framework, saying it had helped shield Kenyans from even steeper price hikes.
The sharp increase in diesel prices is expected to trigger higher transport fares, increased food prices and rising production costs across various sectors of the economy. Diesel is widely used in public transport, manufacturing, agriculture and electricity generation, meaning the impact is likely to be felt almost immediately.
The announcement sparked frustration online, with many Kenyans warning that the latest fuel adjustment would worsen the already high cost of living.
Social media users described the new prices as “economic pain” and “unbearable pressure” on ordinary households.
