Kenyan motorists are now paying the highest Diesel prices in East Africa following the latest fuel review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Following the recent review report released on Thursday, May 14, Super Petrol in Kenya is retailing at about Ksh 214 per litre, while diesel has risen to Ksh 243 per litre, making it the highest diesel price among major East African countries.
EPRA indicated that the cost of Super Petrol and Diesel has gone up by Ksh 16.65 and Ksh 46.29 per litre respectively, while the price of kerosene remains unchanged.
The authority stated that the adjustments reflect increases in international petroleum product prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and the application of statutory taxes under the Value Added Tax (VAT) framework.
Fuel Prices Across East Africa: Petrol and Diesel Costs in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
A regional comparison shows that Super Petrol in Uganda is retailing at about Ksh 180 per litre, with Diesel retailing at Ksh 175 per litre.
Tanzania’s Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) earlier in May announced that the retail price of Super Petrol in Dar es Salaam rose to Ksh 205 (4,115 Tanzanian shillings) per litre, while that of Diesel increased to Ksh 211 (4,248 Tanzanian shillings) per litre. The price of Kerosene in the country rose to Ksh 233 (4,677 Tanzanian shillings) per litre.
The new prices represented monthly increases of 7.7 percent for petrol, 11.6 percent for diesel, and 27 percent for kerosene.
EWURA said in a statement that while Free on Board prices for refined petroleum rose by 6.2 percent for petrol and 5.4 percent for diesel, local costs have been pushed higher by the depreciation of the shilling and rising freight and insurance charges.
Since January, Tanzanians have faced staggering cumulative increases.
The price of petrol has climbed 48.1 percent from Ksh 138.34 (2,778 shillings) per litre, while diesel has increased by 55.8 percent from Ksh 135.80 (2,726 shillings) per litre. Kerosene has also surged by 69.3 percent from Ksh 137.64 (2,763 shillings) per litre.
Also Read: Ndindi Nyoro Outlines Measures Govt Can Take to Reduce Fuel Prices to Ksh 187
Rwanda continues to have the highest Super Petrol prices in the region, at about Ksh 259 per liter, although its Diesel price remains lower than Kenya’s, at around Ksh 194 per liter.
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), the national regulator, announced the prices on April 17, saying the adjustments reflected prevailing international market trends, supply dynamics, and government measures to mitigate the impact of the global price surge.
Ethiopia recorded the lowest fuel prices among the compared countries, with petrol retailing at about Ksh 138 per litre and diesel at Ksh 149 per litre.
In Burundi, petrol is retailing at about Ksh 178 per litre, while diesel stands at Ksh 175 per litre.
Also Read: Breakdown of New Fuel Prices Across Kenya’s Major Towns After EPRA Hike
Why Fuel Prices Have Risen in East Africa Region
The rise in fuel prices across the region has largely been driven by global oil market volatility, weakening local currencies, and higher import costs.
In Kenya, the high diesel prices are expected to continue pushing up transport and commodity costs, as diesel remains the main fuel used by public transport vehicles, cargo transporters, and industries.
The latest review has already triggered concerns among consumers and transport operators over the rising cost of living.
The Federation of Public Transport Sector recently announced plans for a nationwide matatu strike and proposed a 50 percent fare increase following the latest fuel price adjustments.
In response, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has proposed urgent tax and levy reforms to lower fuel prices, including scrapping the KSh7 Road Maintenance Levy.
Ruto Says Kenya’s Fuel Prices Are Higher Than Neighbours Due to Road Network Costs
In April, President William Ruto, while explaining why Kenyans pay more for fuel than their East African neighbors, said the country’s development status and heavy investment in road infrastructure make comparisons with the region unfair.
The president pointed to Kenya’s road network as the primary reason fuel costs more here than elsewhere in the region.
He said a significant portion of the pump price goes directly towards road construction and maintenance, which he argued neighbors do not carry to the same degree.
Ruto said Kenya currently maintains 20,000 kilometers of tarmac roads, a network larger than that of all East African Community member states combined.
“Kenya is a middle-income country; our neighbours are the least developed countries. There is a big difference. If you want to compare Kenya fairly with others, do it with other middle-income countries, and that is how you will get the figures right,” he said.
