- The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced a major increase in fuel prices, sparking outrage on Kenyan social media
- Petrol and diesel prices rise by KSh 28.69 and KSh 40.30 per litre, respectively, in the latest monthly fuel price review
- The acting director general of the regulatory authority, Joseph Oketch, said the government has reduced VAT to ease consumers from rising fuel costs.
Nairobi: The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has caused a firestorm on social media after announcing a historic increase in oil prices.
Source: Facebook
According to the monthly pump price review released on Tuesday, April 14, petrol increased by KSh 28.69 per litre, and diesel price rose by KSh 40.30 per litre, causing a wave of confusion, sarcasm, and anger in Kenya’s digital systems.
The new pump prices come into effect from midnight on Wednesday, April 15. Kerosene prices remained unchanged.
“The main driver is the significant increase in the average cost of goods sold between February and March 2026, due to the increase in international prices shown in Table 2 (eg, Diesel rising from $637.76/MT in February to $1,383.78/MT in March 2026,” EPRA’s acting director general, Joseph Oketch, said.
How much does fuel cost in Nairobi?
One liter of petrol and diesel will be sold in Nairobi for KSh 206.97 and KSh 206.84, respectively, while kerosene users will spend KSh 152.78 for the same amount for the next 30 days.
These prices are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) as per the VAT Act, 2013, as read with other relevant provisions, including revised rates of excise duty.
In an effort to reduce public prices due to higher prices, the government reduced the rate of Value Added Tax from 16% to 13%, in calculating prices.
“Government will further support consumers through the Petroleum Development Levy Fund (PDL) by spending approximately KSh 6.2 billion to stabilize pump prices,” EPRA further explained.
How did Kenyans react to the EPRA oil price?
Although there were signs that the government would increase the price of fuel, many Kenyans on the internet expressed shock and anger over the increase of KSh 28.69.
Their anger was evident in the way they took part in EPRA’s comments, warning the government of political consequences in the 2027 vote.
This was despite the government’s move to help consumers through a reduction in VAT and KSh 6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Tax Fund.
“EPRA is not just a regulator; it is a crime scene. How can the government justify an increase of KSh 28/40 while officials are resigning due to the oil scandal of KSh 2.9 billion? This administration is robbing the same ‘hustlers’ that it promised to protect,” said Hyloyvee.
“Why doesn’t the government remove the VAT and fuel tax at 206 kshs per liter? EPRA has no mercy. It’s just important to help now. We can’t work like this,” added Jonny Mwaniki.
Okara Omae:
“Bad news today as EPRA raises fuel prices. Our design and construction company will reduce design and consulting costs, but construction materials will rise regardless. Which means tough times for us in the construction industry. Get ready, good people.”
Paul Preston:
“go there very incompetent”
Unlash Gash:
“Ah, things are very easy, we are headed in the right direction… We people of no term, we are very comfortable, there is no arguing here…”
Danson Lubembe:
“Oil would have increased up to 14 bop if we had not stopped the D2G order price would have doubled”
Bogonko Samuel:
“You don’t know us”
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
