- EPRA announced sharp fuel price increases effective October 15, with super petrol, diesel and kerosene all rising significantly in Nairobi
- The regulator attributed the hikes to rising international petroleum import costs, with super petrol's landed cost jumping over 11%
- Kenyans flooded social media with sarcastic calls to raise petrol to KSh 500 or even KSh 1,000 per litre amid cost-of-living concerns
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a significant upward revision of fuel prices for the October–November 2026 pricing cycle, triggering a wave of frustration and sarcasm from Kenyans on social media.
Source: UGC
The new pump prices took effect on October 15. In Nairobi, a litre of super petrol now retails at KSh 226.96, diesel at KSh 227.76 and kerosene at KSh 219.87.
The review raised super petrol by KSh 12.93 per litre, diesel by KSh 9.90 and kerosene by KSh 28.49, placing additional strain on households and businesses already grappling with high transport and food costs.
Why EPRA Raised Fuel Prices
EPRA linked the increases to a sharp rise in the international cost of importing refined petroleum products. The average landed cost of super petrol climbed 11.81%, from US$874.26 per cubic metre in August to US$977.55 in September 2026.
Diesel's landed cost rose 11.32%, from US$957.05 to US$1,065.38 per cubic metre, while kerosene increased 9.41%, moving from US$1,003.87 to US$1,098.31 over the same period.
Higher fuel costs are expected to filter through to the broader economy, raising freight expenses for transport operators and inflating the prices of food and other goods as the cost of moving produce from farms and factories to markets increases.
How Kenyans Responded to the Fuel Hike
The announcement drew sharp reactions online, with many users responding through biting sarcasm rather than direct protest. Jimmy Nesh wrote simply, "Weka 500," while Ustadh Abuti Mombasa suggested the regulator "just hike it to 500 per liter so that you can get enough tea in state house."
Chesum Menjo Chemichiroi Chepkeny called for prices to reach KSh 1,000 per litre, writing, "Fikisheni elfu kwa litre! 12 bob ndio nini hiyo?"
Others questioned whether the government could intervene on taxation. Samuel Wams asked, "Haiwezi shukishwa ushuru jameni?" while Godffrey Karani challenged whether any consumer cushioning was on offer, writing, "Did I see the word to cushion Kenyans in your statement..."
Some users raised questions about regional price differences. Jeckonia Juma Omollo asked why petrol appeared cheaper in Kisumu than in Nairobi, while Mike Muriuki queried why fuel at Mtito Andei costs KSh 230 against Nairobi's KSh 226, asking, "What formula is applied in this pricing?"
Here are some other reactions
Dean Justine Ondiba wrote:
"Make it 1000 per litre so that we can distinguish between Kenyans..."
Dianah Mucheru asked:
"Can you double the cost of the current price?"
Chriss Philips sarcastically wrote:
"We have the best g to g model...even Uganda and Rwanda are jealous of ours. Infact they are coming to kenya to ask us how do we do it ?"
Arap Saos Sami suggested:
"Earnings should be increased by the same margin on a monthly basis"
Baptista Muriki remarked:
"Increased because buffaloes are imported"
Kelvineric Theuri asked:
"I thought petroleum products are VAT exempt"
Dennis Mboya remarked:
"So Gachagua was right hours ago 🤔🤔🤔"
Isaac Fadamullah sarcastically suggested:
"Why can’t you put it at 1000 shillings so that you can go reducing it downwards till you get to where you want?"
Godffrey Karani asked:
"Did I see the word to cushion Kenyans in your statement..."
Violet Njeri asked:
"Na watu wa tutam wako na bei yao ama tunaumia sisi wote pamoja? 😂😂😂😂"
Wa Kahihia questioned:
"Are the new prices applicable to tutam motorists?"
Peetah Wanza complained:
"Mtatuumiza hivi Hadi lini nyinyi mashetani?"
Muendo Francis commented:
"One day kenya will be free from extortion. Hio price ya fuel tutacushion na mshahara ile moja tu?"
Mbala'ng K Koech commented:
"A bottle of 500ml of beer is 300/=,a litre 600/= which is cheaper,travel or getting high?"
Ustadh Abuti Mombasa sarcastically suggested:
"Just hike it to 500 per litre so that you can get enough tea in state house"
The remarks about KSh 500 and KSh 1,000 per litre are sarcastic expressions of consumer frustration and do not reflect genuine calls for higher fuel prices. The views expressed are those of individual commenters and are not representative of broader Kenyan public opinion.
The next monthly pricing review by EPRA will be watched closely by motorists and businesses to see whether any easing of international costs translates into relief at the pump.
Source: TUKO.co.ke