Kenya Fuel Prices Jump Sharply as Supply Tightens, Transport Fares Surge Overnight
Kenya has announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, triggering immediate ripple effects across transport and the wider economy.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised the price of super petrol by 28.69 Kenyan shillings per litre, while diesel surged by 40.3 shillings per litre. Petrol now sells at 206.97 shillings ($1.60) per litre, with diesel close behind at 206.84 shillings.
Authorities attributed the increase to rising costs of imported fuel, as Kenya relies heavily on supplies from Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
The announcement sparked a rush among motorists, with long queues forming at fuel stations as drivers hurried to fill their tanks before the new prices took effect.
Almost immediately, transport fares rose significantly. Minibus operators increased fares by about 25% overnight, while bus fares jumped between $1.54 and $3.86, adding pressure on commuters.
Economists warn that the impact will extend beyond transport, with higher fuel costs likely to drive up the prices of goods and services across the country.
Kenya’s inflation rate has already begun to edge upward, reaching 4.4% in March compared to 4.3% in February, signaling growing price pressures in the economy.
The latest developments highlight the country’s vulnerability to global energy market shifts, as tightening fuel supply continues to strain households and businesses alike.
