- The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority released a statement on Wednesday, October 14, explaining the fuel price increases
- The average landed cost of imported super petrol surged by 11.81% between August and September 2026, driving up pump prices
- EPRA noted that Kenya imports all its petroleum products in refined form and that prices are denominated in US dollars
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has explained the factors behind the upward revision of fuel prices for the October–November cycle, citing a significant rise in international petroleum costs and currency conversion pressures.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, EPRA said the prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene were revised upwards following a sharp increase in the landed cost of imported petroleum products between August and September 2026.
What drove the fuel price increases?
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported super petrol increased by 11.81% from approximately KSh 113,476 per cubic metre in August 2026 to KSh126,880 in September 2026.
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Diesel rose by 11.32% from KSh 124,220 to KSh 138,280 per cubic metre, while kerosene increased by 9.41% from KSh 130,300 to KSh 142,540 over the same period.
The regulator noted that Kenya does not produce any refined petroleum products domestically and instead relies entirely on imports traded on international markets, where pricing is pegged to a global benchmark.
"Currently, Kenya imports all its petroleum product requirements in refined form, and the products are traded in international markets based on a pricing benchmark," EPRA explained.
VAT and exchange rate factors
EPRA also pointed to the exchange rate as a key factor in determining local pump prices.
Since petroleum products are priced globally in US dollars, a prevailing exchange rate must be applied to convert those costs into Kenya Shillings when computing what consumers pay at the pump.
The authority clarified that the prices announced for the October–November cycle are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) at 8%, in line with government policy aimed at shielding consumers from the worst effects of elevated international prices.
What are the new fuel prices?
The energy regulator increased the prices of diesel, petrol and kerosene effective Thursday, October 15.
It explained that global crude prices had surged.
The increases came despite a public warning from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who accused a powerful cabal of profiting from the fuel crisis and urged the government to cut taxes and restore subsidies.
Source: TUKO.co.ke