Petrol Price Jumps by Sh28, Diesel Sh40 in Latest EPRA Review

Motorists and households are set to feel the pinch after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced significant increases in fuel prices for the period between April 15 and May 14, 2026.

In its latest pricing review released on Tuesday, EPRA said the maximum retail price of Super Petrol will increase by KSh28.69 per litre, while Diesel will rise by a steeper KSh40.30 per litre. Kerosene prices will remain unchanged.

The regulator attributed the sharp rise to escalating global oil prices, which have pushed up the landed cost of imported petroleum products. Kenya relies entirely on imported refined fuel, making local prices highly vulnerable to shifts in the international market.

According to EPRA, the average landed cost of Super Petrol rose by forty one point five three percent, increasing from US$582.11 per cubic metre in February to US$823.87 in March.

Diesel recorded an even sharper jump of sixty eight point seven two percent, while Kerosene more than doubled, rising by one hundred and five point one five percent over the same period.

“The increases have been driven by escalated prices in the international market,” the authority said in a statement.

To cushion consumers, the government reduced Value Added Tax on petroleum products from sixteen percent to thirteen percent, following recent legal adjustments.

Additionally, about KSh6.2 billion will be drawn from the Petroleum Development Levy to help stabilise pump prices.

Despite these interventions, EPRA noted that the pressure from global markets has outweighed the relief measures, leading to the latest spike in fuel prices.

The authority also clarified that the pricing computation excluded Super Petrol delivered by One Petroleum ex MT Paloma, in line with an earlier government directive.

EPRA further explained that petroleum products are traded internationally in US dollars, and fluctuations in the exchange rate continue to influence local pump prices.

The Kenya shilling averaged about 130.08 units against the dollar in March, reflecting a slight weakening compared to previous months.