Kenya’s imports of petroleum products for both local consumption and regional transit markets have recorded steady growth over the past four years, reflecting rising energy demand across East Africa.
Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) shows that annual imports of diesel, petrol and dual-purpose kerosene increased from 8.78 billion litres in 2022 to 9.09 billion litres in 2023.
The figure rose further to 9.53 billion litres in 2024 before crossing the 10-billion-litre mark in 2025 at 10.41 billion litres.
The upward trend highlights Kenya’s strategic role as a regional fuel hub, supplying not only the domestic market but also neighbouring countries that rely on the Port of Mombasa and Kenya’s transport network for petroleum imports.
Growing economic activity, increased vehicle ownership and expanding industrial operations have continued to drive fuel demand. Transit volumes have also grown as regional economies recover and trade expands.
The sustained increase in imports underscores the importance of efficient fuel supply chains, storage infrastructure and stable energy policies in supporting both Kenya’s economy and the wider East African region.
