Fuel Prices In Kenya: Current Rates And Review

how much is fuel in kenya

As of July 2025, fuel prices in Kenya stood at KES 184.89 per litre or USD 1.43 per litre. This came after a period of fluctuation, with fuel prices hitting an all-time high in September 2023, when the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EpRA) raised the price of petrol to over 200 Kenyan shillings per litre. This increase was attributed to the rising cost of imported super petrol and a cut in oil output by major producers, exacerbating the existing cost of living crisis in the country.

Characteristics Values
Current gasoline price per liter KES 184.89 or USD 1.43
Average gasoline price from 2015-08-17 to 2025-07-28 KES 133.08 per liter
Minimum gasoline price during the above period KES 82.75 on 2016-04-18
Maximum gasoline price during the above period KES 219.07 on 2023-10-16
Petrol price in Nairobi (as of June 2025) Sh177.32 per liter
Diesel price in Nairobi (as of June 2025) Sh162.91 per liter
Kerosene price in Nairobi (as of June 2025) Sh146.93 per liter
Petrol price in Mombasa (as of June 2025) Sh174 per liter
Diesel price in Mombasa (as of June 2025) Sh159.62 per liter
Kerosene price in Mombasa (as of June 2025) Sh143.64 per liter
Maximum allowed petroleum pump price increase for super petrol (as of June 2025) Sh2.69 per liter
Diesel price decrease (as of June 2025) Sh1.95 per liter
Kerosene price decrease (as of June 2025) Sh2.06 per liter
Retail price of petrol in Kenya (as of September 2023) >KES 200 ($1.36) per liter
Petrol price in Nairobi (as of September 2023) KES 211.64 ($1.44) per liter
Diesel price in Nairobi (as of September 2023) KES 200.99

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Current petrol price: KES 184.89/litre

As of 28 July 2025, the price of petrol in Kenya is KES 184.89 per litre or USD 1.43 per litre. This is a notable increase from the average price of petrol in Kenya between 17 August 2015 and 28 July 2025, which was KES 133.08 per litre.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has attributed the rise in petrol prices to the increased cost of imported super petrol, which rose by 0.35% from $588.16 per cubic metre in April 2025 to $590.24 per cubic metre in April 2025. In contrast, the cost of diesel decreased by 2.42% during the same period.

The rise in petrol prices has had a significant impact on Kenyans, who are already facing a harsh cost-of-living crisis with rising prices for many staple goods and new taxes. In response to the increase in fuel prices, fares for matatus (minibuses used for transport by a large majority of Kenyans) have also increased by 20% nationwide.

The government has stated that the purpose of the Petroleum Pricing Regulations is to cap the retail prices of petroleum products and ensure reasonable prices for consumers. However, Energy Minister Davis Chirchir expressed the difficulty of the situation, stating, "There's nothing much we can do... certainly the pain is heavy, it's not going to be easy."

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Diesel and kerosene prices drop

The cost of diesel and kerosene in Kenya has decreased, providing some relief to consumers amid rising fuel prices and a cost-of-living crisis. This reduction in diesel and kerosene prices comes as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced an increase in petrol prices, adding to the financial strain on Kenyans.

As of June 14, 2025, the maximum allowed prices for diesel and kerosene have decreased by Sh1.95 and Sh2.06 per litre, respectively. This means that in Nairobi, diesel is priced at Sh162.91 per litre, while kerosene costs Sh146.93. In Mombasa, diesel and kerosene prices are slightly lower, retailing at Sh159.62 and Sh143.64 per litre, respectively.

The drop in diesel and kerosene prices is attributed to a decrease in the cost of imported diesel, which fell by 2.42% from $594.60 to $580.23 per cubic meter. This is in contrast to the rise in the cost of imported super petrol, which increased by 0.35% to Sh590.24 per cubic meter in April 2025.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has stated that the new prices are aimed at protecting consumers while ensuring that importation and other prudently incurred costs are recovered. This announcement comes amidst a challenging economic climate in Kenya, with rising prices for staple goods and a weakening currency. The high fuel prices have also sparked anti-government protests, with Kenyans expressing their discontent with the economic policies of President William Ruto's administration.

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Matatu fares increase

As of July 2023, the price of gasoline in Kenya stands at KES 184.89 per liter or USD 1.43 per liter. This price is subject to fluctuations and has seen increases and decreases over the years.

In June 2022, Matatu operators in Kenya announced a 20% increase in fares to account for the KSh 9 increase in fuel prices per liter. This decision was met with mixed reactions, with the Federation of Public Transport Sector justifying it to offset the recent increase in pump prices. The increase affected all public transport vehicles operating across the country.

In July 2023, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) announced another round of fare increases, this time by 30% to 50%, due to surging fuel prices. The association cited the need to protect their businesses from the continuous rise in fuel prices, which had increased to KSh 211.64 for petrol and KSh 200.99 for diesel. The new fares would see an increase of Sh. 30 to Sh. 50 during peak and off-peak hours in Nairobi and its metropolitan region.

The fare adjustments also included extended peak hours, with morning peak hours running until 10:00 am and evening peak hours starting an hour earlier at 4:00 pm and lasting until 7:00 pm. During these extended peak hours, commuters would be expected to pay around Sh. 50, and after 7:00 pm, the fare would remain at Sh. 100.

These fare increases have caused a ripple effect, impacting commuters' expenses and leading to concerns about the affordability of public transportation in Kenya. Matatu operators have encouraged passengers to use public transportation only when necessary to manage their expenses effectively.

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Global crude prices soar

Global crude prices have soared in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The price of Brent crude rose more than 10% after Israel struck Iran, reaching its highest level since January 2025. The conflict has disrupted supplies from the energy-rich region, causing a ripple effect on global markets. The cost of crude oil has a wide-reaching impact, affecting everything from transportation to food prices.

In June 2025, the price of Brent crude ended the day over 7% higher than the previous day's close, trading at $74.23 per barrel. While prices have eased slightly, they remain volatile, and analysts predict that any targeting of Iran's oil production and export facilities could push prices to $80-100 per barrel. This would have a significant knock-on effect on inflation, although it would also incentivise other oil producers to increase their output, potentially stabilising prices.

The United States has played a significant role in reshaping global crude dynamics through its sanctions and trade policies. President Trump's sweeping tariff order has raised duties on key partners and accelerated deep-sea mining to reduce reliance on foreign sources. US sanctions on Russia and trade threats have also contributed to the fluctuating oil prices, with Indian state refiners pausing purchases of Russian crude due to potential secondary tariffs from the US.

Crude oil prices have a direct impact on the cost of fuel in Kenya. As of July 28, 2025, the price of gasoline in Kenya was KES 184.89 per litre or USD 1.43 per litre, higher than the global average of USD 1.20 per litre. The maximum recorded price in Kenya was KES 219.07 on October 16, 2023, highlighting the volatility of fuel prices in the country.

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Cost of living crisis

The cost of fuel in Kenya has been rising, hitting an all-time high in September 2023, with a litre of petrol costing over 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.36). This adds to the country's cost-of-living crisis, with rising prices for staple goods, new taxes, and a weakening currency.

Factors contributing to the cost-of-living crisis in Kenya

Prolonged drought

Prolonged drought in 2022 disrupted food supplies in Kenya, increasing reliance on imports. This, combined with a depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against major currencies, led to a rise in prices of imported commodities like food, fuel, and fertiliser.

Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted global supply chains of food, energy, and fertiliser. Kenya, being dependent on imports of wheat and fertiliser from these countries, was significantly impacted. The war also slowed the free flow of grain globally, undermining global food security and exacerbating the fragility of the food supply chain in East Africa.

Global fuel price fluctuations

Kenya's fuel for transport and industrial gas is almost entirely imported. The surge in global oil prices trickled down to local pump prices, affecting the cost of electricity and businesses.

Low incomes and poverty

In arid and semi-arid parts of Kenya, households have low incomes and face multidimensional poverty. They spend over 70% of their income on food and are vulnerable to climate-related shocks that disrupt food and livelihood sources.

Inflation

Food and transport (fuel) are the main drivers of inflation in Kenya, accounting for 42.56% of the consumption basket for households. Between June 2022 and June 2023, food and fuel prices increased by 13.5% and 12.3%, respectively.

Addressing the crisis

Experts suggest that addressing price fluctuations and encouraging private sector investment in electric mobility vehicles can help mitigate the crisis. The Kenyan government is also working to support agro-processing industries and cushion vulnerable sections of the population.

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Frequently asked questions

As of July 28, 2025, the price of gasoline in Kenya is KES 184.89 per litre or USD 1.43 per litre.

As of June 14, 2025, a litre of petrol in Nairobi costs Sh177.32, while diesel costs Sh162.91.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) attributed the rise in fuel prices to the increased cost of imported super petrol, which rose by 0.35% from $588.16 per cubic metre in April 2025 to Sh590.24 per cubic metre in April 2025.

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