NAIROBI, April 15 – Kenya has raised retail fuel prices by as much as 24%, reflecting mounting pressure from higher global oil prices and supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority increased petrol prices by 16.1% to 206.97 shillings per litre, while diesel rose 24.2% to 206.84 shillings. Kerosene prices were left unchanged.
The regulator said the adjustments were driven by a sharp rise in the cost of imported petroleum products, which climbed by as much as 68.7%.
Kenya relies heavily on fuel imports, sourcing most of its supply through government-to-government agreements with Gulf-based traders, including Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Emirates National Oil Company.
To mitigate the impact on consumers, authorities reduced value-added tax on petrol, diesel and kerosene to 13% from 16%.
The price hike triggered a rush at fuel stations in Nairobi, with motorists queuing to fill tanks ahead of the new pricing taking effect.
The adjustments highlight the vulnerability of import-dependent economies to global energy shocks, as geopolitical tensions continue to ripple through supply chains and domestic inflation.
