Faith Masita
Kenyan motorists and transport stakeholders have strongly criticised the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) after its latest fuel price review delivered only a Sh0.22 per litre reduction in petrol, alongside a Sh10 per litre cut in diesel.
Motorists and Transport Stakeholders Reject EPRA Fuel Review.
The backlash has been led by the Motorists Association of Kenya, which argues that the marginal petrol reduction is insignificant and does not reflect the recent decline in global crude oil prices. Critics say the adjustment offers no meaningful relief to households and transport operators already grappling with high living costs.
Key concerns raised by motorists
The Sh0.22 petrol cut is viewed as too small to impact transport costs or inflation
Allegations that fuel pricing may be influenced by political considerations rather than a transparent formula
Calls for a public audit of EPRA’s fuel pricing mechanism and full disclosure of calculations
Questions over why global oil price movements are not being fully reflected
What EPRA announced
EPRA’s latest monthly review reduced:
Petrol by Sh0.22 per litre
Diesel by Sh10 per litre
Kerosene prices remained unchanged
The regulator maintains that the prices are based on international landed costs, taxes, and statutory formulas governing fuel pricing in Kenya.
Why the issue is controversial
While diesel saw a relatively large cut, petrol—the most widely used fuel for private transport—received a negligible reduction. This disparity has fueled public frustration, with critics arguing that it does little to ease transport fares or commodity prices.
Transport stakeholders also warn that sustained high fuel costs continue to drive inflation, increasing the cost of goods and services across the economy.
