A sigh of relief swept across the nation this morning as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a significant reduction in pump prices, offering households a lifeline amidst the high cost of living.

Motorists and households can breathe a little easier this month. In its latest monthly review, EPRA has slashed the price of Super Petrol by KSh 4.24, Diesel by KSh 3.93, and Kerosene by KSh 1.00. The new prices, which take effect immediately, will see Super Petrol retail at KSh 178.28 in Nairobi, down from the previous highs that had squeezed the middle class dry.

This reduction is not merely a statistical adjustment; it is a critical economic signal. The drop is attributed to a stabilizing shilling and a global decline in crude oil prices, which fell below $78 a barrel in late January. For the *boda boda* rider in Kisumu or the *matatu* operator in Githurai, these few shillings translate to tangible daily savings.

The Ripple Effect on Inflation

The reduction in diesel prices is particularly significant for the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Diesel is the lifeblood of Kenya's economy, powering everything from tractors in Trans Nzoia to backup generators in Industrial Area. Analysts predict that this cut could help decelerate inflation, which has hovered stubbornly high.

• Nairobi: Petrol @ KSh 178.28, Diesel @ KSh 166.54
• Mombasa: Petrol @ KSh 175.98, Diesel @ KSh 164.24
• Kisumu: Petrol @ KSh 178.98, Diesel @ KSh 167.24

However, cautious optimism remains the order of the day. While the drop is welcome, the Energy Minister has warned that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could still disrupt supply chains. "We are not out of the woods yet," an EPRA spokesperson noted, "but the trends for Q1 2026 look promising for the consumer."

For now, the queues at the pumps are shorter, and the mood is lighter. As Kenyans brace for the school fees season, every coin saved at the pump is a coin earned for the household budget.