Kenya’s Fuel Prices Defy Global Oil Trends, Sparking Public Outrage
In Kenya, the cost of fuel remains stubbornly high despite fluctuating global oil prices, leaving consumers frustrated and politicians scrambling for answers. The discrepancy has ignited heated debates and raised questions about the fairness of Kenya’s fuel pricing mechanisms.
The controversy reached a boiling point in mid-April 2026 when the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, citing “escalated prices in the international market.” The move pushed pump prices to a staggering KSh206 per liter in some areas, triggering widespread public outcry and political pressure. In response, the government halved the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, reducing prices slightly but failing to quell concerns.
The situation has been further complicated by global disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted oil supply routes. However, critics argue that mismanagement and profit motives within Kenya’s energy sector are equally to blame. Allegations of corruption resurfaced following a recent scandal involving fuel imports, which led to the resignation of three senior energy officials, including Epra’s chief executive.
A Clash Over Fuel Pricing
The debate spilled onto national television on 15 April 2026, when lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro and Epra’s petroleum and gas director, Edward Kinyua, faced off on Citizen TV. Nyoro, a former budget committee chair, challenged Kinyua’s explanation for the rising fuel costs, arguing that Kenyans were paying far more than global oil prices warranted.
Kinyua defended Epra’s decision, stating that global oil prices had risen from $60 per barrel in February 2026 to $101 by April, directly impacting the cost of imported fuel. He noted that Kenya no longer refines crude oil domestically and relies on imports, primarily from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
However, Nyoro countered that despite higher global oil prices in the past, Kenyans were now paying record-high prices at the pump. He pointed to May 2022, when crude oil cost $115 per barrel, yet Kenya’s maximum fuel prices were significantly lower at KSh160 for petrol and KSh140 for diesel.
The Reality Behind the Claims
While Nyoro’s comparison holds some truth, the context is crucial. In May 2022, Kenya’s fuel prices were artificially low due to government subsidies introduced during an election period. When President William Ruto took office in September 2022, he scrapped these subsidies, causing pump prices to surge even as global oil prices fell.
By October 2023, despite global oil prices stabilizing between $75 and $95 per barrel, Kenya’s average fuel prices hit an unprecedented KSh217.97 for petrol and KSh206.21 for diesel. This marked a stark contrast to previous years, underscoring the disconnect between global trends and local prices.
Nyoro’s claim that Kenyans are now paying the highest prices ever is partially true. While fuel costs have indeed climbed to record levels in some regions, such as Mandera, where prices reached KSh225.64 for petrol in October 2023, the national average remains slightly lower than those peaks.
A Broader Issue
The data supports Nyoro’s broader argument: Kenya’s fuel prices are disproportionately high relative to global oil prices. However, his assertion that Kenyans are currently paying “unprecedented” prices is exaggerated. The highest recorded national averages occurred in late 2023, not April 2026.
The debate highlights a persistent issue in Kenya’s energy sector: the delayed and incomplete adjustment of local fuel prices to reflect global market trends. Experts argue that inefficiencies, taxes, and external factors like geopolitical tensions contribute to the problem, but mismanagement within the sector cannot be overlooked.
Moving Forward
As Kenyans continue to grapple with the financial burden of high fuel costs, calls for transparency and reform in the energy sector are growing louder. The recent VAT reduction provided temporary relief, but long-term solutions are needed to ensure fair pricing and accountability.
For now, the disconnect between global oil prices and Kenya’s pump prices remains a contentious issue, fueling frustration and debate among consumers, politicians, and regulators alike.
— Reported by Nexio News
