No Fuel Hike: EPRA Dismisses Viral KSh 200 Per Litre Claims

EPRA clarified fuel prices. Photo: Vivo Energies.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has dismissed claims that it increased fuel prices, following the circulation of a misleading notice online.

Confusion spread on Wednesday, April 1, after a poster shared widely on social media alleged that EPRA had raised the cost of super petrol, diesel and kerosene to above KSh 200 per litre for the period between April 1 and April 14.

The notice claimed the supposed price adjustment was due to rising global oil costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as disruptions along key supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the viral poster, super petrol would retail at KSh 259.60, diesel at KSh 240.80 and kerosene at KSh 209.40, figures that caused alarm among consumers.

However, EPRA quickly moved to set the record straight, terming the circulating notice as fake. The regulator emphasised that it had not announced any new fuel prices effective April 1.

The authority explained that official fuel price reviews are conducted and published on the 14th of every month, in line with the Petroleum Act 2019 and relevant legal notices.

As such, any information suggesting an adjustment outside this schedule should be treated with caution.

Amid the confusion, reports also emerged of some petrol stations experiencing shortages, further fuelling public concern.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Kenya noted that global oil prices have remained relatively high due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has particularly raised concerns over supply disruptions.

Data from CBK showed that Murban crude oil prices rose slightly in late March, reflecting the pressure on global energy markets.

Despite these developments, EPRA maintained that no official changes had been made to local fuel prices, urging the public to rely only on verified updates from its official channels.