Kenyans are facing a significant economic shock following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority\u2019s (EPRA) latest monthly review. In a statement released on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the regulator announced substantial increases in the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel, effective from May 15 through June 14, 2026. Historic Surge in Diesel CostsThe most dramatic adjustment in this cycle is the record-breaking spike in Diesel prices, which have surged by Ksh 46.29 per litre. Super Petrol has also seen a notable increase of Ksh 16.65 per litre.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Kerosene remains the only fuel category with an unchanged price, largely due to government intervention. In Nairobi, the new maximum retail prices are:Super Petrol: Ksh 214.25 Diesel: Ksh 242.92 Kerosene: Ksh 152.78 For the first time in Kenya\u2019s pricing history, Diesel\u2014the primary fuel for transport, manufacturing, and agriculture\u2014is significantly more expensive than Petrol, retailing at over Ksh 28 higher.Global Factors and Supply Chain DisruptionEPRA attributed the steep climb to a sharp rise in the average landed cost of imported refined petroleum. Between March and April, the landed cost for Petrol rose by 10%, while Diesel recorded a massive 20.32% increase, jumping from approximately USD 1,073 to USD 1,292 per cubic metre. The regulator noted that as a net importer of refined fuel, Kenya remains highly vulnerable to international market volatility.<\/p>\n
Analysts point to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz\u2014a vital global oil artery\u2014as the primary drivers behind the global supply tightening and subsequent price hikes. Government Subsidy to Cushion ConsumersDespite the aggressive price adjustments, the government has moved to prevent even higher costs at the pump. EPRA confirmed that approximately Ksh 5 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund will be utilized to subsidize Diesel and Kerosene prices during this 30-day cycle. Without this subsidy, the cost of Diesel would have likely breached the Ksh 250 mark in the capital. The new pricing structure is expected to exert immediate pressure on the cost of living, with experts warning of a ripple effect on transport fares and the price of basic commodities across the country. These rates will remain in force until the next review scheduled for mid-June.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kenyans are facing a significant economic shock following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority\u2019s (EPRA) latest monthly review. In a statement released on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the regulator announced substantial increases in the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel, effective from May 15 through June 14, 2026. Historic Surge in Diesel CostsThe most dramatic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6073,"featured_media":190462,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[310],"tags":[138481],"class_list":["post-234539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-epra-news"],"yoast_head":"\n