The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has increased fuel prices for the May to June 2026 pricing cycle, dealing another blow to consumers already struggling with the high cost of living.
In the latest fuel review released on Thursday, EPRA announced that the price of Super Petrol had increased by Ksh16.65 per litre while Diesel rose sharply by Ksh46.29 per litre. Kerosene prices, however, remained unchanged.
Following the adjustments, 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 new prices take effect from May 15, 2026, and will remain in force for the next 30 days.
According to EPRA, the increase was largely influenced by rising international fuel prices and the growing landing cost of imported petroleum products.
“In accordance with the Petroleum Act 2019 and relevant legal provisions, the authority has reviewed the maximum retail pump prices for petroleum products,” EPRA stated.
The regulator explained that Kenya imports all refined petroleum products, making local prices highly dependent on international market trends.
EPRA noted that the average landing cost of Super Petrol increased by 10 percent between March and April, rising from approximately Ksh106,325 to Ksh117,039 per cubic metre.
Diesel recorded the sharpest increase, with landing costs rising by more than 20 percent during the same period.
Kerosene also experienced a slight increase in landing costs, although retail prices were retained under the latest review.
The authority further revealed that the government will use about Ksh5 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to cushion consumers through subsidies on Diesel and Kerosene during the review period.
Despite the subsidy intervention, the latest fuel price increase is expected to trigger higher transport costs, especially for commuters who rely on public service vehicles for daily movement.
The increase in diesel prices is also likely to affect businesses, food distribution, manufacturing, and agricultural production, given the central role fuel plays in the economy.
EPRA clarified that the current fuel prices already include the reduced 8 percent Value Added Tax on petroleum products following a recent tax adjustment from 12 percent.
The latest review is expected to spark concern among Kenyans, with many households already facing pressure from rising prices of essential commodities and services.
Industry players now fear that the sharp increase in fuel prices could push up the cost of transport and basic goods across the country in the coming weeks.
