Ruto Announces Plans to Further Lower Diesel Prices in June-July Cycle

President William Ruto has announced plans to further lower diesel prices following a meeting with matatu operators.

Speaking at a press conference in Mombasa on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Head of State stated that his government will reduce diesel prices by Ksh 10 in the June-July Cycle.

“I have directed that in the next pricing cycle, we are going to further reduce the price of diesel by a further Ksh10 in the June–July cycle to help stabilise pump prices and provide additional relief to consumers,” said Ruto.

The President said the decision was reached after lengthy consultations with leaders in the transport sector, including matatu operators, who have recently raised concerns over the high cost of fuel.

Ruto Reveals Govt Spent Billions to Stabilise Fuel Prices

Ruto revealed that the government has spent Ksh28.19 billion across the April-May and May-June 2026 fuel pricing cycles through stabilisation measures and tax relief interventions.

According to the President, the government used the Petroleum Development Fund to cushion Kenyans from the sharp rise in global oil prices.

“In the last two pricing cycles alone, the government has utilised Ksh13.7 billion to cushion consumers,” he stated.

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The Head of State added that the government also reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent in collaboration with Parliament, a move that has seen the State forego billions in tax revenue.

During the April-May 2026 pricing cycle, the government spent Ksh12.45 billion on fuel stabilisation and tax relief measures. In the current May-June cycle, another Ksh15.72 billion has been used to keep pump prices lower.

Diesel Prices Reduced by Over Ksh40

Ruto noted that the interventions have led to significant reductions in fuel prices over the past two months.

According to the President, diesel prices dropped by Ksh40.25 per litre during the April-May cycle and by another Ksh44.89 per litre in the current May-June cycle.

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Super petrol prices were also reduced by Ksh19.67 in April-May and Ksh15.87 in May-June, while kerosene prices fell by Ksh115 and Ksh78, respectively, during the two cycles.

The President said that without the government’s intervention, super petrol would currently retail at Ksh230 per litre instead of Ksh214, while diesel would be selling at Ksh277.75 per litre instead of the current Ksh232.86.

Kerosene, he added, would have retailed at Ksh270 per litre instead of the current Ksh191.

The Head of State Defends Fuel Supply Deal

At the same time, Ruto defended the government-to-government fuel supply framework, saying it has helped secure uninterrupted fuel supplies despite global supply chain disruptions.

He said the arrangement has enabled Kenya to maintain stable fuel availability while protecting jobs and shielding consumers from extreme market shocks.

“These interventions have protected millions of Kenyans from even more severe economic hardship,” the President stated.

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