Fuel Costs Rise Across East Africa as Kenya Tops Diesel List
New comparative fuel data for May 2026 shows widening differences in fuel pricing across East Africa, with Kenya now recording the highest diesel prices in the region.
The figures highlight growing pressure on transport, logistics and household costs as countries respond differently to global oil prices, taxation and currency movements.
Kenya now leads in diesel prices
According to the comparison, diesel in Kenya rose sharply from Ksh206.84 to Ksh242.92 per litre – the highest among the six countries reviewed.
Petrol prices in Kenya also increased from Ksh206.97 to Ksh214.25, while kerosene remained unchanged at Ksh152.78.
The diesel increase is significant because diesel powers much of the economy – including public transport, trucks, agriculture, construction and manufacturing.
Higher diesel prices often translate into increased costs across supply chains and consumer goods.
Rwanda records region’s highest petrol prices
Rwanda posted the highest petrol prices in the region, with prices jumping to Ksh259.09 per litre.
Analysts attribute this to a mix of import dependence, taxation and currency-related costs affecting fuel landing prices.
Tanzania sees major jumps in fuel costs
Tanzania also recorded steep increases across all fuel products:
Petrol rose to Ksh204.67
Diesel climbed to Ksh211.34
Kerosene jumped to Ksh232.68
The report notes that Tanzania’s high kerosene prices may reflect reduced household dependence on kerosene, as more consumers shift toward alternative cooking energy sources such as gas.
Ethiopia remains cheapest market
Ethiopia continues to record the lowest fuel prices across petrol, diesel and kerosene.
The lower prices are largely linked to state-controlled pricing systems and subsidies that shield consumers from global oil price volatility, although such systems can place pressure on government finances.
In a Nutshell ….
The latest pricing trends show how fuel policy, taxation, subsidies and exchange rate stability are increasingly shaping economic competitiveness across East Africa.
For Kenya, the sharp rise in diesel prices is likely to keep pressure on transport costs and the price of goods, especially in a country where fuel costs quickly filter into everyday living expenses.