How Do Kenya’s Fuel Prices Compare in East Africa?
Kenya now holds the record for the highest fuel prices across East Africa, following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) latest review. As of this week, Nairobi residents are paying Ksh.186.31 for a litre of petrol, Ksh.171.58 for diesel, and Ksh.156.58 for kerosene. The regulator raised each fuel type by nearly Ksh.9 per litre, citing an increase in landed fuel costs.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi linked the surge to global oil market disruptions caused by the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. While the government attributes the hike to external forces, many Kenyans recall President William Ruto’s 2022 campaign pledge to dismantle cartels blamed for inflating fuel prices.
“Ile cartel ya ufisadi iko pale ndio inasababisha bei ya mafuta kuzidi bei ya mafuta Uganda,” Dr. Ruto said in 2022. “Na hiyo mafuta inapitia Kenya ikienda Uganda… The corruption cartels at the Ministry of Petroleum should explain to Kenyans why dealers have increased their profits from Ksh.9 to Ksh.12.”
What Are Other Countries Paying at the Pump?
Tanzania: Prices fell during the July 1 review. Petrol now sells at Ksh.142.70, diesel at Ksh.137.30, and kerosene at Ksh.130.40. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority credited this drop to a stronger Tanzanian shilling.
Uganda: Prices rose slightly to Ksh.182.21 for petrol, due to delays in Kenyan supply routes. Uganda National Oil Company responded by importing 35 million litres through Tanzania, which pushed up transport costs.
Ethiopia: After ending fuel subsidies in June 2025, the Ethiopian government saw petrol climb to Ksh.114.49, with diesel and kerosene at Ksh.108.84 and Ksh.108.85 respectively. Panic buying followed the announcement, though the government assured stability in supply.
Rwanda: The latest figures show petrol retailing at Ksh.161.32 and diesel at Ksh.157.21. The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority credited fuel reserves and strong economic planning for buffering global shocks.
The gap between Kenya and its neighbors highlights a broader economic concern, especially as transportation and food costs are expected to rise sharply. While regional counterparts have taken varied approaches, from stronger currency controls to strategic imports, Kenya’s approach remains heavily tied to global markets.
By Lucky Anyanje
