Motorists across Kenya will now pay more for fuel after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices for the May to June 2026 pricing cycle. The new prices will take effect from May 15 and remain in force for the next 30 days.
In the latest fuel review released on Thursday, May 14, EPRA raised the price of Super Petrol by Ksh16.65 per litre and Diesel by Ksh46.29 per litre. Kerosene prices, however, were left unchanged.
Following the review, Super Petrol will now retail at a maximum of Ksh214.25 per litre, while Diesel will sell at Ksh242.92. Kerosene will continue retailing at Ksh152.78 per litre, the same price as in the previous cycle.
EPRA said the changes were made under the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No. 192 of 2022, which guide the monthly review of petroleum prices in the country. The regulator explained that the rise was mainly caused by the increasing cost of importing refined fuel products into Kenya.
According to EPRA, the average landing cost of Super Petrol increased by 10 per cent between March and April, rising from Ksh106,325 to Ksh117,039 per cubic metre. Diesel recorded the biggest jump, with landing costs increasing by more than 20 per cent from about Ksh138,683 to Ksh166,859 per cubic metre. Kerosene landing costs also rose slightly by 1.59 per cent.
The authority noted that Kenya imports all its fuel in refined form, meaning local prices are heavily affected by changes in international fuel markets and benchmark prices. EPRA also pointed to the steady rise in global diesel prices in recent months as a major factor behind the latest increase.
Despite the sharp adjustments, the government is expected to cushion consumers through subsidies from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund. EPRA said around Ksh5 billion will be used to support diesel and kerosene prices during the current cycle.
The regulator also noted that the current prices include the reduced 8 per cent VAT on petroleum products after the tax was lowered from 12 per cent last month.
The increase, especially on diesel, is likely to affect transport costs and daily expenses for many Kenyans who rely on public service vehicles for transport and business operations.
