Editor's Review

Okiya Omtatah warned EPRA he would sue them for contempt of court after increasing fuel prices.

Litigious activist Okiya Omtatah could be readying himself for another court battle with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) which has effected the new fuel prices. 

The agency on Friday, June 30, increased fuel commodities prices significantly following the upping of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 8 percent to 16 percent in the Finance Act 2023.

The new fuel prices came up despite the High Court issuing conservatory orders blocking the implementation of the Finance Act 2023.

Busia senator Okiya Omtatah.

In response to EPRA's communique, Omtatah warned he would institute a legal action against its seniors over contempt of court.

The Busia senator seemed to wonder why the agency proceeded with effecting the new VAT despite the court's conservatory order that paused the implementation of the provisions of the Finance Act 2023.

"I talked to the EPRA MD, we focused on the court orders that suspended the Finance Act and they gave an injunction against any part of it. Told him if they ignore, I’ll file contempt proceeding against them for disobeying court orders," he said.

EPRA stated that the price of petrol would increase by Ksh 13.49 per litre, diesel by Ksh 12.39 per litre and kerosene by Ksh 11.96 per litre.

"The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has recalculated the maximum pump prices that will be in force from 1st July to 14th July 2023 taking into account VAT at 16%. As a result, the changes in the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene increase by KShs.13.49 per litre, KShs.12.39 per litre and KShs.11.96 per litre respectively,” read its statement in part.

Super petrol in Nairobi would now be retailed at Ksh 195.53 while Diesel and Kerosene will retail at Ksh 179.67 and Ksh 173.44 respectively.