How Kenya’s Fuel Prices Compare to Other East African Countries After Latest Increase

Kenyans are now paying record-high fuel prices after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new pump prices on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

In the latest review for the May 15 to June 14 pricing cycle, EPRA increased the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel, making Diesel the most expensive fuel in Kenya for the first time.

In Nairobi, Super Petrol went up by KSh 16.65 to Ksh 214.25 per litre, while Diesel increased by Ksh 46.29 to Ksh 242.92 per litre. Kerosene remained unchanged at Ksh 152.78 per litre.

EPRA said the increase was caused by higher global fuel costs.

The regulator explained that the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 10 per cent from US$823.27 per cubic metre in March 2026 to US$906.23 per cubic metre in April 2026.

Diesel prices increased even more, rising by 20.32 per cent from US$1,073.82 per cubic metre to US$1,291.96 per cubic metre. Kerosene also rose slightly by 1.59%.

Kindiki Explains Why Fuel Prices Increased

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the increase in fuel prices was caused by rising tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global oil supply chains.

Also Read: Pain at the Pump: EPRA Announces Sharp Fuel Price Hike Starting May 15

Speaking in Meru County on Friday, May 15, Kindiki said the conflict involving Iran had increased the cost of crude oil, shipping and insurance worldwide.

“We are implementing every necessary action to stabilise fuel prices,” Kindiki said.

“The cost of fuel, insurance and shipping has increased significantly because of the war in Iran, but we do not want Kenyans to suffer,” he added.

Kindiki said the government had already reduced fuel VAT from 16 per cent to 8 per cent and released Ksh 5 billion to help cushion consumers.

He also said the government was looking for more ways to protect Kenyans from the high cost of living.

Gachagua Blames Government

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua disagreed with the government’s explanation.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday night, Gachagua claimed the fuel crisis was caused by state capture and conflict of interest.

Also Read: EPRA Reduces Fuel Prices by Ksh 10 After Uproar

The DCP party leader accused President William Ruto and fuel importer Gulf Energy of making huge profits from fuel importation.

He also compared Kenya’s fuel prices with neighbouring countries, saying some countries in East Africa were selling fuel at lower prices despite importing fuel from the same region.

Pump Prices in East Africa

Following the latest fuel price increase in Kenya, here is how the country’s fuel prices compare with those in other East African countries.

Fuel Prices in East Africa Today:

Kenya

• Petrol: Ksh 214
• Diesel: Ksh 243

Uganda

• Petrol: Ksh 180
• Diesel: Ksh 175

Rwanda

• Petrol: Ksh 259
• Diesel: Ksh 194

Tanzania

• Petrol: Ksh 205
• Diesel: Ksh 210

Ethiopia

• Petrol: Ksh 138
• Diesel: Ksh 149

Burundi

• Petrol: Ksh 178
• Diesel: Ksh 175

The comparison shows that Kenya now has the highest Diesel prices in the East African region, while Rwanda has the highest Petrol prices.

Ruto Explains Why Kenyans Pay More for Pump Prices Than Their Neighbours

In April 2026, President Ruto explained that fuel prices in Kenya are higher because Kenya is a middle-income country unlike some neighbouring countries.

He also said the government spends a lot of money building and maintaining roads across the country.

According to Ruto, fuel levies collected from motorists help fund road projects, which also affects pump prices.

The President further blamed global tensions in the Middle East for increasing fuel prices around the world.

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President William Ruto witnesses the signing of eight MoUs in Italy Rome on April 20,2026
PHOTO/PCS