Motorists across Kenya are set to spend more on fuel after Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a fresh increase in pump prices for the April to May 2026 cycle, ending weeks of uncertainty among consumers.
In its latest review released on April 14, 2026, the regulator raised the price of Super Petrol by Ksh28.69 per litre and Diesel by Ksh40.30 per litre, while Kerosene prices remained unchanged.
Following the adjustment, the new maximum retail prices now stand at Ksh206.97 for Super Petrol, Ksh206.84 for Diesel and Ksh152.78 for Kerosene. These prices took effect at midnight and will remain in place until May 14, 2026.
EPRA noted that despite the increase, efforts have been made to ease the burden on consumers.
The government reduced the Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 13 per cent in an attempt to cushion Kenyans from rising global fuel costs. In addition, about Ksh6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund will be used to stabilise prices.
The regulator also clarified that fuel supplied by One Petroleum through the MT Paloma vessel was not included in the pricing calculations, in line with an earlier government directive. This clarification comes amid ongoing scrutiny over fuel imports and pricing transparency.
According to EPRA, the main reason behind the increase is the sharp rise in the cost of fuel in the international market. The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol rose by 41.53 per cent between December and January.
Diesel recorded an even steeper increase of 68.72 per cent, while Kerosene costs more than doubled, rising by 105.15 per cent over the same period.
Fuel prices will vary slightly across towns. In Mombasa, motorists will pay Ksh203.69 for Super Petrol and Ksh203.56 for Diesel, while in Nakuru and Kisumu, prices are slightly higher, with petrol retailing above Ksh206 per litre.
The increase comes despite earlier assurances from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum that the country had enough fuel stocks, which had given many Kenyans hope that prices might stabilise.
Instead, the new prices are expected to put more pressure on households and businesses. Transport costs are likely to rise, and this may push up the cost of goods and services in the coming weeks, adding to the financial strain already being felt across the country.
