Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo WandayiThe government has assured Kenyans of a steady supply of fuel despite global shipping disruptions that have triggered a sharp rise in pump prices, while warning against profit-driven, exploitative practices during the period of uncertainty.
The reassurance comes even as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) announced steep increases in fuel prices to record levels, with super petrol rising by Sh16.65 per litre and diesel by Sh46.29 per litre.
The price of Kerosene remained unchanged in the latest review to cushion vulnerable households that rely on it for domestic use.
The adjustments have pushed pump prices in Nairobi to Sh214.25 for super petrol and Sh242.92 for diesel, while kerosene now retails at Sh152.78.
The new prices will remain in effect until June 14, 2026.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum attributed the pressure on local prices to disruptions in global oil supply chains, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside rising insurance premiums and elevated freight costs.
"Global spot freight and premium rates for petroleum cargoes have more than doubled, exposing import-dependent economies to significantly higher landed costs when sourcing fuel on the spot market," Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said.
Despite these external shocks, the government maintains that the country is sufficiently stocked with petroleum products and that supply chains remain stable.
Wandayi said the government is closely monitoring developments in the international oil market to cushion consumers from further volatility as it pursues options aimed at softening the impact of rising fuel costs.
"The ministry is engaging stakeholders across the energy, transport, manufacturing and business sectors to identify practical and sustainable measures aimed at minimising the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers," the CS said.
CS Wandayi said the government remains alert to potential market distortions during the period of volatility, warning against any attempt to take advantage of consumers through unjustified price escalation.
"We should all remain vigilant against possible profit-driven exploitative practices during this period of uncertainty, ensuring that consumers are not placed at any further disadvantage."
The sharp rise in fuel prices across has triggered immediate spikes in public transport fares amid rising fears that fuel-driven inflation could drive up the cost of basic food items.
Wandayi noted that while Kenya, like other economies, is not insulated from global geopolitical and energy market disruptions, the government remains committed to ensuring an uninterrupted fuel supply as it pursues targeted interventions to stabilise the market.
He reiterated the ministry's commitment to delivering reliable and affordable energy in support of economic activity, even as global pressures continue to filter through to domestic fuel pricing.
