NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has defended the sharp rise in fuel prices in Kenya, blaming the crisis on escalating conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in global oil supply chains.
Speaking at State House in Mombasa after a meeting with transport sector stakeholders, Ruto said the government understood the pain Kenyans were facing but insisted the crisis was largely beyond Kenya’s control.
“The truth is this: Kenya is facing the effects of a global fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” Ruto said.
According to the President, the crisis worsened after the escalation of conflict involving Iran on February 28, 2026, disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil supply route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes daily.
Ruto revealed that global fuel prices had surged dramatically, with Super Petrol increasing by 54.4 per cent, Diesel by 118.5 per cent, and Kerosene by 126.4 per cent.
The President said the government had spent heavily to cushion Kenyans from the impact of the crisis.
He disclosed that in the April-May and May-June 2026 fuel pricing cycles alone, the government used KSh 28.19 billion in fuel stabilisation measures and tax relief interventions.
Ruto noted that VAT on petroleum products had been reduced from 16 per cent to 8 per cent to ease pressure on households and businesses.
Without the interventions, he said, Super Petrol would currently retail at KSh 230.12 per litre instead of KSh 214.25, while Diesel would cost KSh 277.75 instead of KSh 232.86.
The President also announced a further KSh 10 reduction on diesel prices in the upcoming June-July pricing cycle to provide additional relief to consumers.
Ruto defended the controversial Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel importation framework, saying it had helped secure stable fuel supplies and eased pressure on the Kenyan shilling.
“Without it, the country’s situation would be far worse today,” he stated.
At the same time, the Head of State criticised politicians attempting to use the fuel crisis for political mileage.
“I know there are those trying to turn this global crisis into politics; people seeking to exploit public pain for political gain,” Ruto said.
The President argued that removing all fuel taxes immediately would cripple key public services including roads, fertiliser subsidy programmes, schools, hospitals and security operations.
In a major policy announcement, Ruto declared that the first 100,000 electric vehicles imported into Kenya would be duty-free as the government accelerates investments in electric mobility and renewable energy.
He further revealed that the government had already ordered 3,000 electric vehicles for use by security and administration officials.
Ruto assured Kenyans there was no fuel shortage in the country and urged citizens to remain calm, patient and united during the crisis.
The President also announced several measures targeting the transport sector, including talks with banks over relief for transport operators, a review of the Insurance Act and Auctioneers Act, and plans to regulate minimum fares for ride-hailing platforms.
He additionally directed NTSA to create an enabling environment for matatu operators to continue using artwork and graffiti on their vehicles while maintaining safety standards.
Ruto urged Kenyans to reject violence and misinformation as the country navigates one of the most severe global fuel shocks in recent history.
