LPG Price Puzzle: Kenyans Face Uneven Costs Across Dealers

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices in Nairobi are showing widening disparities across major marketers and independent dealers.

The price hike follows a global surge in crude oil and LPG prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s leading LPG exporters, raised the price of propane by KSh26,477.80 per tonne to KSh96,870, while butane increased by KSh33,581.60 per tonne to KSh103,328.

Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach also pushed prices higher, increasing LPG by KSh41,977 per tonne KSh109,786, while butane rose by KSh51,664 per tonne to KSh116,244.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has also revised local fuel and LPG pricing structures in its monthly reviews, contributing to higher retail costs. 

The Kenya Times has dug into the matter, conducting field research across selected estates and comparing retail prices, dealer quotations, and branded supplier updates to understand the real cost of LPG on the ground.

Findings reveal that the same product costs different prices depending on where consumers buy.

Major Marketers Raise LPG Prices

Leading LPG marketers have raised their prices, particularly for the widely used 13-kilogram cylinder, which is used by large families.

Also Read: EPRA Explains Why Private Companies Were Chosen for G-to-G Fuel Deal

Rubis Energie Kenya now sells a 13kg refill at KSh 3,530, up from KSh 3,140, a 12% increase.

TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya has also increased its price to KSh 3,510, from the same previous price of KSh 3,140.

These adjustments have pushed branded LPG refills above the KSh 3,500 mark, reinforcing a higher pricing baseline in the formal segment of the market.

Total Energies’ prices before the hike show previous baseline

Earlier, Total Energies had lower LPG prices at its stations both for refill and empty cylinders.

Nairobi LPG Dealers Expose Sharp Retail Disparities

Independent dealers in Nairobi are operating at very different price points, even within the same neighborhoods.

The gap between lower-end and higher-end retailers is particularly visible in both refill and cylinder pricing.

For complete gas in a 13 kg cylinder, the price varies according to the brand.

Dealer A Pricing

Dealer A represents the lower end of the market, offering cheaper refill prices, particularly for the 6kg and 13kg cylinders.

From the findings, dealer A’s price for 6KG increased by KSh 100, and for 13KG by KSh 200.

Dealer B Pricing

Dealer B falls into a higher retail bracket, with higher cylinder prices. The 13kg full cylinder in particular shows a wide range, stretching up to KSh 13,000.

Also Read: Petrol Stations and Gas Plants in Estates Ordered to Relocate With Immediate Effect

The differences between Dealer A and Dealer B highlight how LPG pricing in Nairobi is influenced by individual dealer operations, supply chains, and location-specific costs.

Galana Energies Remains Stable Amid Market Fluctuations

The Kenya Times has established that Galana Energies has maintained stable LPG pricing, showing little movement despite broader market changes.

The company continues to retail a 13kg refill at KSh 2,700, with a cylinder price of KSh 2,500, while the 50kg refill remains at KSh 9,400. The 6kg cylinder was not available during the field check, although refills were quoted at KSh 1,200