Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan motorists are grappling with a steep rise in pump prices after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a major hike in its latest monthly review. Effective July 15, the price of petrol jumped by KSh 8.99 per litre, with diesel up KSh 8.67 and kerosene surging by KSh 9.65 per litre. The increase – one of the largest in recent memory – pushed fuel costs in Nairobi to KSh 186.31 for petrol, KSh 171.58 for diesel, and KSh 156.58 for kerosene per litre. These are the highest levels recorded in East Africa, putting additional strain on consumers already facing a high cost of living.

EPRA attributed the sharp hike to rising global fuel import costs. In June, the average landed cost of petrol rose by 6.45%, while diesel’s landed cost climbed 6.27%, according to the agency’s data. The authority noted it has set price caps nationwide, with slightly lower pump prices in the port city of Mombasa to account for reduced transport costs. Even so, the nationwide increases have squeezed household budgets and raised transportation costs across the board.

The sudden jump has ignited public criticism and political fallout. Lawmakers and consumer rights groups have accused the government of failing to cushion Kenyans from the impact of volatile global oil markets. Opposition leader Opiyo Wandayi pointed out that Kenya’s fuel is now substantially costlier than in neighboring Tanzania and Uganda, largely due to higher taxes, and urged the Ruto administration to review tax policies on fuel. Meanwhile, many commuters and businesses are bracing for a ripple effect on prices of goods and services as the higher fuel costs work their way through the economy.