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Kenya has announced a steep rise in fuel prices, with diesel recording its biggest increase on record despite a recent tax cut. The move comes as global oil markets react to the conflict involving Iran, which has pushed up crude and shipping costs and tightened petroleum supplies.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority raised diesel prices by 40 shillings to 206 shillings per litre, while petrol climbed by 28 shillings to the same level. The new prices will remain in place until the next review on 14 May, even though the government recently reduced value-added tax on fuel from 16% to 13%.
The increase has deepened domestic pressure, with reports of fuel shortages emerging in parts of the country. Authorities have said supply is adequate and have accused some distributors of hoarding, while a separate controversy over a disputed fuel shipment has intensified public criticism of the government’s handling of the market.
The government says it cancelled the shipment and barred it from sale, but investigations are still under way after the arrest and resignation of senior energy officials. EPRA has said the disputed cargo was not included in the latest pricing review, but the scandal has added to concern over transparency in Kenya’s fuel system.
The price surge reflects a wider energy shock linked to the war in Iran, which has disrupted key shipping routes including the Strait of Hormuz. Across Africa, governments are responding with tax cuts, rationing and sector prioritisation to soften the blow, but the broader pressure on fuel-importing economies remains intense.
