The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has warned that fuel prices in Kenya could rise further depending on developments in the Middle East, following disruptions to global petroleum supplies linked to the ongoing conflict.
EPRA Director-General Edward Mwirigi gave the warning while appearing before the Special Funds Accounts Committee on October 15, which questioned the Authority over the fuel price increase announced on October 14, 2026.
The EPRA chief cautioned that prices could increase further during the winter season, depending on how the situation in the Middle East unfolds. He said the Authority was monitoring developments affecting fuel supplies and import costs.
On October 14, EPRA said the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Diesel, Super Petrol, and kerosene increased by Ksh9.90, Ksh12.93, and Ksh28.49, respectively.
“September has been the worst month ever since this war broke out. Super petrol has reached USD 1,300 per metric tonne from the initial USD $600 per metric tonne,” Edward Mwirigi said.
EPRA Warns Kenyan Motorists of Possible Fuel Price Hikes
Lawmakers also sought an explanation for the latest adjustment and its likely impact on consumers, particularly after the President assured them fuel prices would not increase.
Mwirigi attributed the adjustment to disruptions in global fuel supply caused by attacks on petroleum infrastructure and vessels in the Gulf region.
He said the disruptions had forced importers to seek alternative sources, including Singapore, where fuel was reportedly more expensive.
During the session, the legislators also sought to establish whether the public had been informed about the supply disruptions, including reports that two fuel vessels had been bombed.
In response, Mwirigi said Saudi vessels had been targeted, contributing to the supply challenges affecting Kenya.
He maintained that despite the disruptions, Kenya’s fuel prices remained competitive compared with those of neighbouring countries.
Mwirigi also told the committee that EPRA was exploring alternative energy sources. However, he said moving away from conventional petroleum products would be challenging because of their widespread use.
Also Read: EPRA Announces New Fuel Prices for October-November Cycle
Audit on Financials
The Committee also reviewed the Auditor-General’s reports on EPRA’s Staff Mortgage and Car Loan Scheme for the financial years 2021/2022 to 2024/2025.
The audit raised queries on several aspects of the scheme, including interest charges, budgetary controls, loan administration costs, interest earned on loan deposits, construction loans issued to staff and risk management.
In its submissions, EPRA said the interest rate on car loans was reduced from four per cent to three per cent in August 2022 after the Authority amended its agreement with the scheme administrator, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
Also Read: EPRA Discloses 20 Giant Oil Companies Dominating Kenyan Market
The Authority further told the Committee that its Board approved the Staff Mortgage and Car Loan Policy in December 2023. The policy addressed concerns the Auditor-General raised about delays in establishing a formal framework to guide the scheme.
The Auditor-General had also questioned the lack of an approved budget for interest income and administration costs during the 2023/2024 financial year. EPRA responded that the Board approved the scheme’s budget and managed it under the Authority’s consolidated budget.
Regarding construction loans, EPRA explained that funds were released in instalments based on the progress of projects. The Authority said it required inspections and progress reports before disbursing additional funds for subsequent construction stages.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
