Mercedes Mullins
The cost of fuel in Kenya has been a source of concern for Kenyan citizens due to its impact on their daily lives and businesses. In September 2023, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a revision in pump prices, resulting in a record high for fuel costs in the country. This increase affected super petrol, diesel, and kerosene prices, with the retail price of a litre of petrol surpassing 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.36). As Kenya's fuel prices are influenced by global oil market dynamics, understanding the context behind these adjustments is essential for consumers and businesses to adapt to rising costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current price of gasoline per litre | KES 184.89 / USD 1.43 |
| Average price of gasoline per litre worldwide | USD 1.20 |
| Average price of gasoline per litre in Kenya (08-17-2015 to 07-28-2025) | KES 133.08 |
| Minimum price of gasoline per litre in Kenya (04-18-2016) | KES 82.75 |
| Maximum price of gasoline per litre in Kenya (10-16-2023) | KES 219.07 |
| Retail price of petrol per litre | >KES 200 / $1.36 |
| Retail price of petrol per litre in Nairobi | KES 211.64 / $1.44 |
| Retail price of diesel per litre in Nairobi | KES 200.99 |
| Retail price of kerosene per litre in Nairobi | KES 202.61 |
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What You'll Learn
Super petrol prices
The price of super petrol in Kenya has seen significant increases in recent times, causing concern among Kenyan citizens already facing economic hardship. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a revision of pump prices that came into effect on September 15, 2023, and lasted until October 14, 2023.
Under this price regime, the retail price of super petrol in the capital city of Nairobi rose by KSh 16.96 per litre, reaching KSh 211.64 per litre. This price equates to approximately $1.44 per litre, an unprecedented level above the $1.36 threshold.
The increase in super petrol prices can primarily be attributed to global factors influencing the international market, such as fluctuations in global oil prices. Kenya's heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products makes the country vulnerable to these market dynamics, resulting in direct impacts on domestic fuel prices.
The implications of these price adjustments are far-reaching, affecting both consumers and businesses. With a harsh cost of living crisis already affecting Kenyans, the rising prices of staple goods and fuel simultaneously create a challenging environment.
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Diesel prices
On September 15, 2023, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a revision of pump prices in Kenya, leading to an unprecedented increase in the cost of fuel. This change was expected to remain in effect until October 14, 2023.
The primary reason for the surge in diesel prices is Kenya's heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products. This dependence makes the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and international market dynamics, directly impacting local fuel prices.
The government's ability to control fuel prices is limited due to these global factors. As a result, consumers and businesses are forced to adapt to the rising costs and explore strategies to mitigate the impact on their daily lives and operations.
The unprecedented diesel price of KSh 200.99 per litre in Nairobi underscores the economic hardships faced by Kenyans, with protests against the government's economic policies already taking place.
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Kerosene prices
However, more recently, in September 2023, EPRA announced another round of fuel price adjustments, which included a significant increase in the price of kerosene. This time, the cost of kerosene rose sharply by Sh33.13 per litre, resulting in a retail price of Sh202.61 per litre. This substantial increase sparked concerns among Kenyan citizens, who are aware of the country's heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products and the subsequent vulnerability to global oil market fluctuations.
The surge in kerosene prices can be attributed to rising global oil prices and the country's exposure to international market dynamics. The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 4.80% from July 2023 to August 2023, while diesel and kerosene experienced even more significant price spikes of 12.52% and 19.79%, respectively. These global factors make it challenging for the Kenyan government to exert full control over fuel prices, including kerosene.
The impact of these price adjustments is felt across the country, as kerosene is widely used by many Kenyan households for various purposes, including cooking, lighting, and heating. With kerosene prices now at Sh202.61 per litre, it remains to be seen how Kenyan citizens and businesses will adapt to these changes and what measures will be implemented to address the concerns arising from the increasing fuel costs.
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Global oil market fluctuations
As of 28 July 2025, the price of a litre of fuel in Kenya was KES 184.89, or USD 1.43. This is higher than the world average of USD 1.20 per litre.
The global oil market is subject to fluctuations, which can impact the price of fuel in Kenya. Several factors influence these fluctuations, including geopolitical conflicts, supply and demand dynamics, and the actions of organisations like OPEC+.
For instance, during the Israel-Iran conflict, Brent crude oil prices rose to $80/b due to concerns about a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which an estimated 20% of global petroleum consumption is shipped. However, as the conflict de-escalated, prices dropped back below $70/b. Similarly, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the associated sanctions on Russia have the potential to disrupt global oil supplies and impact prices.
OPEC+'s decisions can also significantly affect the market. For example, in September 2025, OPEC+ decided to increase output, causing oil prices to drop to a weekly low. Conversely, a forecast of increased global liquid fuel consumption in 2025 and 2026, driven by non-OECD countries, particularly in Asia, may lead to higher oil prices.
Market participants' expectations and uncertainties about potential disruptions or conflicts play a crucial role in price volatility. Despite the announced ceasefires, the potential for escalating tensions in the Middle East and ongoing trade negotiations can influence oil prices.
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Cost of living crisis
The cost of living crisis in Kenya has been exacerbated by surging fuel prices, which have hit record highs in recent times. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a revision of pump prices in September 2023, causing a litre of petrol in the capital city of Nairobi to rise to 211.64 Kenyan shillings (around $1.44). This represents an unprecedented increase of nearly 17 shillings per litre, surpassing the $1.20 global average for gasoline.
The surge in fuel prices has sparked concerns among Kenyan citizens already grappling with rising prices for staple goods and new taxes. The cost of diesel and kerosene, essential for many households, has also increased significantly, adding to the economic hardship facing millions. The price of diesel rose to 200.99 shillings per litre, while kerosene experienced a sharp increase of 33.13 shillings per litre, bringing the retail price to 202.61 shillings.
Kenya's heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. This direct exposure to international market dynamics poses challenges for the government in controlling fuel prices. The recent adjustments have important implications for citizens' daily lives and businesses, necessitating adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.
The crisis has led to opposition protests against the government of President William Ruto and his economic policies, some of which have turned violent. With fuel prices expected to remain high until at least mid-October, Kenyans face continued economic hardship and uncertainty. The government must balance the challenges of global market forces with the urgent need to alleviate the cost of living crisis affecting its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The retail price of a litre of petrol in Kenya rose to over 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.36) in September 2023.
The price of super petrol in Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, rose by KSh 16.96 per litre in September 2023, resulting in a new retail price of KSh 211.64 per litre.
The price of diesel per litre in Kenya increased by KSh 21.32 in September 2023, making the new retail price KSh 200.99.
Kerosene prices rose by KSh 33.13 per litre in September 2023, bringing the retail price to KSh 202.61 per litre.
Kenya's heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products makes the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and international market dynamics.
