Kenyans are set to dig deeper into their pockets after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, EPRA, raised pump prices for petrol and diesel in one of the sharpest monthly fuel price increases in recent months.

In the latest review, super petrol has increased by Sh16.65 per litre, while diesel has gone up by Sh46.29 per litre.

In Nairobi, petrol will now retail at Sh214.25 per litre, while diesel will sell at Sh242.92 per litre. kerosene remains unchanged at Sh152.78 per litre.

The new prices take effect from midnight on May 15 and will remain in force until June 14, 2026.

The steep rise in diesel prices is expected to trigger a wider cost shock across the economy, given diesel’s central role in transport, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and power generation.

Public service vehicle operators, long-distance transporters, manufacturers and farmers are likely to feel the immediate impact, with the burden expected to filter down to consumers through higher fares and commodity prices.

For motorists, the petrol increase comes as households continue to grapple with elevated living costs, including food, rent, electricity and school-related expenses.

The unchanged kerosene price offers limited relief to low-income households that rely on the commodity for cooking and lighting. However, the sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices could still indirectly affect basic household spending through higher transport and distribution costs.

The announcement is likely to intensify public debate over the cost of fuel and the taxes, levies and global market factors that influence pump prices in Kenya.

EPRA reviews fuel prices monthly and sets maximum retail prices for petroleum products across the country.

The latest adjustment comes at a politically sensitive time, with fuel prices remaining a major public concern due to their direct impact on transport costs and the broader cost of living.

In Nairobi, the new maximum retail prices are Sh214.25 for Super Petrol, Sh242.92 for Diesel and Sh152.78 for Kerosene.

The latest fuel review is expected to put renewed pressure on the government to explain the factors behind the sharp rise and the measures being taken to cushion consumers, businesses and public transport users from further economic strain.

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