NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has emerged as the country with the most expensive fuel in East Africa following a sharp increase in pump prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) this week.
In the latest monthly review, EPRA raised the cost of petrol, diesel, and kerosene by Ksh8.99, Ksh8.67, and Ksh9.65 per litre respectively.
This pushes the price of petrol in Nairobi to Ksh186.31 per litre, while diesel now retails at Ksh171.58, and kerosene at Ksh156.58.
The hike is expected to escalate the cost of living in a country already grappling with inflation, with immediate impacts anticipated in transport, food, and manufacturing sectors.
EPRA attributed the increase to higher landed costs, a position echoed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who blamed ongoing instability in the global oil market—particularly the disruptions caused by the Israel-Iran conflict.
“The recent global oil market disruptions have significantly impacted fuel import costs,” Mbadi said earlier this week.
Sharp Contrast to 2022 Campaign Promises
The sharp rise in prices has sparked renewed public anger, with many Kenyans recalling President William Ruto’s campaign promises to dismantle fuel cartels and lower pump prices.
“Why is fuel cheaper in Uganda than in Kenya, when Uganda imports it through Kenya?” then-candidate Ruto questioned in 2022, blaming corruption cartels at the Ministry of Petroleum for inflated prices.
Today, the same concerns persist—only now, under Ruto’s leadership.
Regional Comparison: Kenya Leads in Costs
Kenya’s new prices are significantly higher than those in neighbouring countries, many of which have recently reduced prices or kept them relatively stable:
Tanzania
Tanzania, through its Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), lowered fuel prices in its July 1 review.
Petrol now retails at Tzs 2,877 (Ksh142.70), diesel at Tzs 2,767 (Ksh137.30), and kerosene at Tzs 2,629 (Ksh130.40).
The Tanzanian shilling’s improved performance against major currencies helped buffer the global volatility.
Uganda
Uganda’s petrol prices stand at USh5,050 (Ksh182.21), still lower than Kenya’s.
Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) blamed recent increases on delays in Kenya’s supply chain, prompting the country to import 35 million litres via Tanzania—at a higher logistical cost.
Ethiopia
Despite eliminating fuel subsidies in June 2025, Ethiopia’s fuel prices remain the lowest in the region.
Petrol is sold at 122.53 birr (Ksh114.49), diesel at 116.48 birr (Ksh108.84), and kerosene at 116.49 birr (Ksh108.85).
While the decision triggered panic buying and long queues, the Ethiopian government has maintained supply stability.
Rwanda
Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) recently announced new fuel prices: petrol at 1,803 Rwandan francs (Ksh161.32) and diesel at 1,757 francs (Ksh157.21).
Officials credited the country’s fuel reserves and strategic planning for keeping prices relatively stable.
Economic and Political Fallout
Kenya’s fuel hike comes at a politically sensitive time, with Gen Z-led protests already pressuring the government over high taxation and the cost of living.
The latest fuel increase is likely to intensify public dissatisfaction, particularly as Ruto’s government faces scrutiny over unmet economic promises.
While Kenya’s leaders blame external factors, critics argue that more must be done to cushion ordinary citizens and reduce internal inefficiencies in the energy sector.
