Kenya fuel prices dropped on April 16 after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a downward revision, reversing part of the sharp increase implemented just a day earlier. The adjustment follows government measures aimed at cushioning consumers from rising energy costs.
Under the new pricing, Super Petrol in Nairobi decreased by KSh 9.37 to retail at KSh 190.70 per litre. Diesel, which is widely used in transport and industry, fell by KSh 10.21 to KSh 196.63 per litre. Kerosene prices remained unchanged at KSh 152.78 per litre.
The revision comes less than 24 hours after EPRA announced a significant price hike on April 15, when Super Petrol rose by approximately KSh 28 and Diesel by about KSh 40 per litre. At the time, the regulator attributed the increase to higher international oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Government interventions appear to have contributed to the latest price adjustment. The National Treasury reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 percent to 13 percent in an effort to ease the burden on consumers. Some reports indicate that further adjustments to VAT may have been considered to support the reduction.
In addition, funds from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) were used to stabilize fuel prices. Approximately KSh 6.2 billion was allocated to cushion the impact of high landing costs of imported petroleum products, helping to lower pump prices despite ongoing global market volatility.
EPRA said the revised prices will remain in effect until the next scheduled review on May 14, 2026. The regulator conducts monthly fuel price reviews based on international oil prices, exchange rates, and applicable taxes and levies.
The fluctuation in Kenya fuel prices within a short period has drawn attention to the country’s exposure to global energy markets. Analysts note that while domestic tax measures can provide temporary relief, external factors continue to play a significant role in determining local fuel costs.
The reduction is expected to provide some relief to transport operators and consumers who had begun adjusting to higher fuel costs announced earlier in the week. However, economists caution that the broader impact on the cost of living will depend on whether the lower prices are sustained in the coming weeks.
Transport sector stakeholders have indicated that any further adjustments in fuel prices could influence public service vehicle fares, which had recently increased following the earlier hike. Consumers and businesses are likely to monitor the situation closely ahead of the next EPRA review.
The latest development highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing global market pressures with domestic economic stability, as authorities seek to manage fuel costs and their wider impact on the economy.
