Kenyan Transporters Announce Fare Hikes After Ksh 40 Diesel Price Increase

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has announced that transporters nationwide are set to increase freight charges following a sharp rise in diesel prices.

In a statement to its members dated Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the association revealed that the cost of diesel has jumped by Ksh 40 per litre, rising from Ksh 163 to Ksh 203 ,  a significant increase of about 24.5%.

“The Kenya Transporters Association Ltd (KTA) wishes to inform members of today’s significant increase in diesel prices, which have risen by Kshs 40 per litre, from Kshs 163 to Kshs 203 per litre, representing an increase of approximately 24.5%,” read part of the notice.

KTA explained that fuel is the largest cost component in road transport, accounting for about 55%of total operating expenses. As a result, the new fuel prices are expected to push transport costs up by approximately 13 to 14%.

The association noted that transporters cannot continue to absorb the additional costs and will be forced to raise their rates.

KTA Chairman Newton Wang’oo urged members to review their charges and adjust them to reflect the new fuel prices.

“The magnitude of this increase makes it unsustainable for operators to maintain existing rates,” the association said.

Kenya Transporters to Explain Increase to Customers

Transporters have also been advised to engage their customers and clearly explain the reasons behind the price adjustments to ensure understanding and avoid disruptions in service delivery.

The increase in transport charges is expected to have a ripple effect on the economy, as businesses may pass the additional costs on to consumers through higher prices of goods and services.

Wang’oo further assured members that the association will continue to monitor fuel pricing trends and advocate for the interests of transporters across Kenya and the wider region.

The statement by the transporters’ association comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living following the latest fuel price review.

Also Read: CS Wandayi Responds to Resignation Calls Over KSh 4.8 Billion Fuel Scandal

EPRA Increases Fuel Prices

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced the maximum retail prices of petroleum products, which will take effect from April 15, 2026, to May 14, 2026.

During the period under review, the maximum pump prices for Super Petrol and diesel increased by Ksh 28.69 and Ksh 40.30 per litre, respectively, while the price of kerosene remained unchanged.

According to EPRA, the prices are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the VAT Act, 2013, the Finance Act, 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, and revised excise duty rates adjusted for inflation.

The authority also noted that the VAT rate on Super Petrol, diesel, and kerosene has been reduced from 16 per cent to 13 per cent in a bid to cushion consumers from high global fuel costs.

Also Read: EPRA Raises Fuel Prices: Petrol Up Ksh 28, Diesel Ksh 40 for April–May Cycle

Additionally, the government will use the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund to stabilise prices, allocating approximately Ksh 6.2 billion to ease the burden on consumers.

At the same time, EPRA clarified that Super Petrol delivered by One Petroleum aboard MT Paloma was not included in the computation of the applicable pump prices, in line with an earlier government directive.

“We wish to reiterate that, as per the earlier directive from the Government, the Super Petrol delivered by One Petroleum ex MT Paloma has not been included in the computation of the applicable prices,” EPRA stated.

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Image of a fuel pump attendant. PHOTO/File