Fuel Dealers Threaten Countrywide Shutdown Over EPRA Prices

Petroleum dealers in Kenya have warned of a possible nationwide halt in fuel supply unless the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviews pump prices upward.

The United Energy and Petroleum Association (UNEPA), through its chairperson Irene Kimathi, criticised the authority for maintaining fuel prices despite the ongoing supply challenges caused by the Middle East crisis.

“The current prices set by EPRA are no longer sustainable. Fuel dealers are therefore left with one option to halt sales unless EPRA urgently reviews its pricing criteria for this month,” Ms Kimathi said.

Fuel dealers argue that disruptions from the Israel-Iran war have increased landed costs, yet EPRA’s March 14 pricing review kept retail prices unchanged.

“If customers are to continue receiving fuel, prices must reflect the actual market cost. It is also time for the country to reconsider its fuel infrastructure framework and strengthen its strategic reserve capacity in order to mitigate similar uncertainties in the future,” Ms. Kimathi added.

The association has urged EPRA to suspend current price regulations to allow the market to reflect real costs.

Failure to act, dealers say, may force them to divert supplies to neighbouring countries where fuel prices are not controlled.

“There is a growing temptation to divert fuel to neighbouring countries that do not operate under controlled pricing regimes and therefore offer better returns. If this happens, Kenya’s domestic fuel supply will be placed at even greater risk,” Ms Kimathi cautioned.

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Fuel Shortages Already Felt Nationwide

According to UNEPA, fuel shortages have escalated across Kenya over the past week.

Many independent dealers are unable to access fuel, and where supplies are available, they are often at prices nearly equal to current pump prices.

“Over the past few weeks, we have been operating at a loss, with our working capital being depleted daily. This situation is no longer sustainable,” Ms Kimathi warned.

EPRA Maintains Prices Despite Rising Landed Costs

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo explained that the March-April prices were set after a review of imported petroleum costs.

“The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 1.00 per cent, from US $576.34 per cubic metre in January 2026 to US$582.11 in February 2026. Diesel rose by 8.46 per cent, from US$586.80 to US$636.45 per cubic metre, while Kerosene increased by 6.79 per cent, from US$598.82 to US$639.48 over the same period,” Mr Kiptoo said.

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He noted that the calculations were based on vessels received and discharged between February 10 and March 9, 2026, and that most of these were February-priced cargoes, meaning the current Middle East crisis had not yet impacted the official prices.

EPRA confirmed that current retail prices, valid until April 15, remain at Ksh 178.28 for Super Petrol, Ksh 166.54 for Diesel, and Ksh 152.78 for Kerosene in Nairobi.

Prices include 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the Finance Act 2023 and subsequent amendments.

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UNEPA Chairperson Ms Irene Kimathi during an interview with Radio Hot96.