Motorists across the country are bracing for higher transport costs after a fresh jump in fuel prices triggered concern among households and businesses, even as President William Ruto and his team moved to defend government measures meant to soften the impact on consumers.
The latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has pushed Super Petrol and Diesel prices upward for the April to May 2026 cycle, with Kerosene remaining unchanged.
The adjustment has already begun reshaping expectations in the transport sector, with operators warning of rising costs.
Super Petrol has increased by Sh28.69 per litre, while Diesel has gone up by Sh40.30 per litre. In Nairobi, Super Petrol now sells at Sh206.97, Diesel at Sh206.84, and Kerosene at Sh152.78, effective April 15 to May 14, 2026.
EPRA also indicated that Value Added Tax on Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene had been reduced from 16 per cent to 13 per cent as part of efforts to cushion consumers from global crude oil pressures.
Following the announcement, transport operators said they were already feeling pressure, with some matatu operators adjusting fares. The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) said fuel remains the biggest cost driver in the sector.
Fuel accounts for about 55 per cent of operating costs and the association has urged operators to revise pricing while maintaining clear communication with customers and partners.
As public concern grew, President William Ruto defended the government’s interventions, saying subsidies and policy actions had helped prevent even sharper increases.
Speaking during a tour of the Gusii region on Wednesday, Ruto said global conditions had pushed prices up but Kenya had managed to reduce the impact.
“The price of fuel has increased everywhere in the world, but in Kenya, we had planned to ensure that the prices, which would have increased very highly, were moderated,” he said.
He said the government had already committed Sh6.2 billion to cushion fuel prices.
“The government has used Sh6.2 billion to subsidise fuel costs in Kenya. We have also reduced VAT to ensure that we moderate fuel prices, and I want to assure you that my government will do all it can,” Ruto said.
The President also defended the government-to-government fuel import arrangement, saying it had strengthened supply and protected the country from shortages experienced elsewhere.
“God helped us, and we had the G-to-G plan, which saved us. As I speak to you, some countries do not even have fuel in their petrol stations, but here in Kenya, we do,” he said.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also moved to calm fears, urging Kenyans not to panic over the latest changes.
Speaking in Siaya County during a voter registration and sensitisation exercise in Ugunja, Wandayi said subsidies had softened what would have been a steeper rise.
“Yesterday you saw the hike in fuel prices, but I want to tell you, do not have any worry,” he said.
“The prices could have gone up much more, but because the Head of State directed us to put a subsidy, the rise was moderated,” he said.
He also confirmed that kerosene prices were kept stable to shield low-income households that rely on it for daily needs.
“The President also told me that, despite the rise in petrol and diesel prices, kerosene should not be raised,” Wandayi said.
Wandayi further linked the increase to global tensions affecting oil markets, saying stability could return if geopolitical conflicts ease.
“If the US/Israel-Iran war ends, fuel prices will go down,” he said.