ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi has faulted the Ministry of Energy following the increase in wholesale and retail prices of petroleum.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority on Sunday announced fuel prices for the month will be up by nearly 15 per cent.
In a statement on Monday, the ANC leader said that the Ministry of Energy has failed Kenyans and should take responsibility for the unpleasant situation.
“They should take cognizance of the fact that it is the ordinary citizen who bears the brunt of the high petroleum prices,” Mudavadi said.
He added that it is painful to imagine the plight of the widowed mother leaving in the slums, earning Sh200 from her daily hustle and later expected to pay Sh92 per liter for kerosene.
Mudavadi said the increase in fuel pump prices will lead to an increase in the cost of production and transportation for ordinary Kenyans and businesses.
“Clearly with the increased price of paraffin and fuel, the situation is likely to get worse as prices of food soar.”
Mudavadi said the taxes comprise roughly 60 per cent of the pump price for fuel, petrol, and kerosene, and that it is unacceptable for petrol to retail at Sh122.81 while the landing price is Sh49.84.
The ANC leader wants the ministry to revise the formula that was used in pricing the fuel and review the tax regime on fuel products.
Mudavadi also wants the ministry to reform the electricity cost structure and review and reform the energy policy in consultation with stakeholders across the board.
The prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene increased by Sh7.63 per litre, Sh5.75 per litre, and Sh5.41 per litre respectively.
A litre of petrol will now cost Sh122.81 in Nairobi, up from Sh115.18 it has retailed at since February 15.
Diesel will retail at Sh107.66 per litre up from Sh101.91 a litre while poor households using kerosene for cooking and lighting will part with Sh97.85 to take home a litre of the product, up from Sh92.44.
