Editor's Review
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has defended the fuel price increase announced on Wednesday.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has defended the fuel price increase announced on Wednesday, October 14.
Appearing before the Special Funds Accounts Committee on Thursday, October 15, EPRA Director General Edward Mwirigi attributed the adjustment to disruptions in the international petroleum supply chain caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Lawmakers sought an explanation for the latest price adjustment and its likely consequences for Kenyan consumers.
The MPs expressed concern over the financial burden the increase could place on households and businesses, particularly in light of the President’s assurances that fuel prices would not rise.
Mwirigi told the committee that attacks targeting fuel infrastructure and vessels had disrupted shipments from the Gulf region, compelling importers to explore alternative supply markets.
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He explained that some importers had turned to Singapore to secure petroleum products, but the alternative sources came at a higher cost, contributing to the increase in local fuel prices.
Mwirigi also cautioned that the situation could worsen during the winter season, depending on how the conflict in the Middle East unfolds.
Committee Chairperson, Migori MP Fatuma Mohammed, sought clarification on whether Kenyans had been adequately informed about the disruptions affecting petroleum shipments.
She also raised reports that two fuel vessels had been bombed and asked about the implications for the country’s supply.
In response, Mwirigi confirmed that Saudi vessels had been targeted, adding that the attacks had contributed to the challenges affecting fuel supplies.
Despite the disruptions, the EPRA chief maintained that Kenya’s fuel prices remained competitive compared with those in neighbouring countries.
The Authority also informed the committee that it was exploring alternative energy sources to reduce reliance on conventional petroleum products.
However, Mwirigi acknowledged that the transition would be difficult because petroleum products remained widely used across the economy.
EPRA announced an increase in fuel prices, with Super Petrol rising by Ksh12.93 per litre, Diesel by Ksh9.90 and Kerosene by Ksh28.49 for the period starting Thursday, to Saturday, November 14.
In its latest monthly review, EPRA said the adjustments were based on the weighted average cost of imported refined petroleum products during the period under review.
"Taking into account the weighted average cost of imported refined petroleum products in the period under review, the maximum allowed retail petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene increases by KShs.12.93/litre, KShs.9.90/litre and KShs.28.49/litre respectively," the statement read.
EPRA attributed the latest increases to higher international landed costs of imported petroleum products, with Super Petrol recording the largest percentage increase among the three products.
"The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 11.81% from US977.55 per cubic metre in September 2026; Diesel increased by 11.32% from US1065.38 per cubic metre while Kerosene increased by 9.41% from US1,098.31 per cubic metre over the same period," the statement added.
According to EPRA, the landed-cost of Super Petrol increased from US$874.26 per cubic metre in August 2026 to US$977.55 in September, representing an 11.81 per cent rise.
Diesel costs rose from US$957.05 to US$1,065.38 per cubic metre, while kerosene increased from US$1,003.87 to US$1,098.31 over the same period.
