Fuel Prices Across Major Towns
In Mombasa, motorists will pay some of the lowest fuel prices recorded across major towns. Super Petrol will retail at Ksh175.00 per litre, Diesel at Ksh163.26, and Kerosene at Ksh149.49.
In Nakuru, the price of Super Petrol will retail at Ksh177.34 per litre. Diesel will cost Ksh165.95 per litre, while Kerosene will retail at Ksh152.21.
In Eldoret, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) set Super Petrol at Ksh178.15 per litre. Diesel will retail at Ksh166.77 per litre, while Kerosene will cost Ksh153.03.
Taxes and Pricing Structure
EPRA stated that the announced prices already include the 16 percent Value Added Tax. The tax applies under provisions of the Finance Act 2023 and the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024.
The regulator also applied revised excise duty rates adjusted to account for inflation. These taxes and statutory levies significantly influence final retail fuel prices across the country.
Changes in Import Costs
According to EPRA, the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol rose slightly during the review period. The price increased by 1.00 percent from Ksh74,520.76 per cubic metre in January to Ksh75,266.82 in February.
Diesel recorded a sharper increase compared with other petroleum products during the same period. The cost rose by 8.46 percent from Ksh75,873.24 to Ksh82,292.99 per cubic metre.
Kerosene also experienced a notable rise in the average landed import price. The cost increased by 6.79 percent from Ksh77,427.43 to Ksh82,684.76 per cubic metre.
Review Period and Shipment Timeline
EPRA explained that the pricing considered vessels received and discharged between February 10 and March 9. The shipments formed the basis used to calculate the final pump prices for the cycle.
Despite global concerns about supply disruptions, the regulator indicated most shipments came from February-priced cargoes. As a result, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East did not affect the current fuel prices.
Concerns Over Middle East Tensions
However, concerns remain over a possible supply crisis linked to tensions surrounding Iran. Global oil markets continue to monitor the situation closely as geopolitical risks increase.
The Kenyan government has sought to calm fears about possible fuel shortages. Officials say authorities continue working with oil marketers to maintain steady fuel supply.
Government Assurance on Fuel Supply
On Friday, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi assured the public that Kenya holds adequate fuel reserves. He stated there is currently no imminent fuel shortage across the country.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government has already consulted oil marketing companies operating in Kenya. According to him, marketers confirmed that fuel shipments will continue despite regional tensions.
Strategic Oil Route Concerns
The reassurance comes as threats to close the Strait of Hormuz continue to intensify. The strategic waterway carries roughly 21 percent of the world’s oil supply.
Major exporters such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates ship significant volumes through the route. Kenya relies heavily on Gulf oil imports through government-to-government fuel supply agreements.
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