The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum wishes to inform the public that the latest review of petroleum pump prices has been undertaken against the backdrop of sustained volatility in the global oil market arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The continued geopolitical tensions in the region have disrupted global energy markets, leading to a sharp increase in international crude oil prices, elevated freight and supply chain costs, and increased uncertainty in petroleum product availability across several markets worldwide. As a net importer of petroleum products, Kenya, like many other economies, remains exposed to these external market dynamics.
In the current pricing cycle, the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased from USD 823.27 per cubic metre in March 2026 to USD 906.23 per cubic metre in April 2026, representing an increase of 10 percent. Diesel increased by 20.32 percent from USD 1,073.82 per cubic metre to USD 1,291.98 per cubic metre over the same period, while Kerosene increased marginally by 1.59 percent from USD 1,311.93 per cubic metre to USD 1,332.73 per cubic metre.
Consequently, the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel have been adjusted in line with prevailing global market conditions, exchange rate pressures, and increased supply chain costs. However, in order to cushion vulnerable households that rely on Kerosene for domestic use, the Government has maintained Kerosene prices at the current levels through targeted support measures.
Annual EPRA report on petroleum, electricity, renewable energy sector out
To mitigate the impact of rising global petroleum prices on consumers and the wider economy, the Government has utilized the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) stabilization mechanism to cushion the prices of Diesel and Kerosene during this review period. Approximately Shs5 billion has been applied to moderate the extent of price increases while ensuring stability within the petroleum supply chain.
The Government has also taken and implemented critical policy measures that include the reduction of VAT on petroleum products from 16 percent to 8 percent. Further, the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel importation framework has continued to shield the country in a great way from the escalated petroleum cargo freight and premiums globally. Currently, global spot freight and premium rates for petroleum cargoes have more than doubled exposing countries reliant on spot purchases to very high escalations in the landed costs. Insurance premiums have also escalated greatly considering the impasse at the Strait of Hormuz further, compounding petroleum import costs. Supply and demand imbalances across the world continue to be observed leading to very high volatility in price coupled with limited availability of cargoes. Kenva continues to benefit from the fixed freight and premium costs for ref 2 petroleum imports secured under the G-to-G arrangement.
The Ministry wishes to assure Kenyans that the country currently has adequate petroleum stocks and that the Government continues to closely monitor developments in the international oil market. The Ministry is also engaging stakeholders across the energy, transport, manufacturing and business sectors to identify practical and sustainable measures aimed at minimizing the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers. We should all remain vigilant against possible profit-driven exploitative practices during this period of uncertainty, ensuring that consumers are not placed at any further disadvantage.
While no country is completely insulated from the effects of global geopolitical and energy market disruptions, the Government remains committed to ensuring stable and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country while taking reasonable and targeted measures to cushion consumers from excessive price shocks.
The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering reliable, accessible and affordable energy in support of economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods for all Kenyans.
