Massive Fuel Price Hike in Kenya as EPRA Announces July-August 2025 Review
Kenyans will have to dig deeper into their pockets after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices in Kenya, effective from Monday, July 15 to Wednesday, August 14, 2025. In its latest monthly review, EPRA has increased the retail prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene across the country — a move that is expected to have a ripple effect on the cost of living.
This development comes after several months of marginal reductions, and it marks the most significant upward revision in recent times.
🚗 New Fuel Prices in Kenya – July 15 to August 14, 2025
According to EPRA, the new retail fuel prices in Nairobi are as follows:
- Super Petrol: Increased by Ksh8.99 to retail at Ksh186.31 per litre
- Diesel: Increased by Ksh8.67 to retail at Ksh171.58 per litre
- Kerosene: Increased by Ksh9.65 to retail at Ksh156.58 per litre
EPRA stated, “In line with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022, the maximum retail prices of petroleum products have been reviewed and will remain in force until August 14, 2025.”
🛢️ Why Are Fuel Prices Increasing in Kenya?
The sudden increase in fuel prices is mainly attributed to rising global oil prices, as well as local factors like inflation-adjusted excise duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and the effects of the Finance Act 2023 and Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024.
EPRA explained that Kenya’s petroleum product pricing is tied to the global oil market since the country imports 100% of its refined fuel. Kenya does not produce nor refine its own petroleum, making it highly susceptible to international price fluctuations.
📈 Increase in Landed Costs of Petroleum Products
The regulator highlighted an increase in the average landed cost — the cost of importing refined fuel — as one of the key reasons behind the sharp hike in pump prices.
- Super Petrol: Up 6.45%, from US$590.24 (Ksh76,436) in May to US$628.30 (Ksh81,169) in June 2025.
- Diesel: Up 6.27%, from US$580.23 (Ksh74,959) to US$616.59 (Ksh79,848).
- Kerosene: Up 6.95%, from US$569 (Ksh73,685) to US$608.54 (Ksh78,616).
These increases, paired with taxation and inflation-related adjustments, directly led to the significant jump in local retail prices.
💸 How Much Does Fuel Cost in Other Cities?
EPRA’s fuel pricing mechanism accounts for transportation and distribution costs, which vary across cities and regions. Below are the fuel prices across major towns in Kenya:
🏙️ Mombasa:
- Super Petrol: Ksh183.02
- Diesel: Ksh168.30
- Kerosene: Ksh153.29
🏞️ Kisumu:
- Super Petrol: Ksh186.15
- Diesel: Ksh171.78
- Kerosene: Ksh156.83
🌄 Nakuru:
- Super Petrol: Ksh185.33
- Diesel: Ksh170.97
- Kerosene: Ksh156.01
🌍 Eldoret:
- Super Petrol: Ksh186.15
- Diesel: Ksh171.80
- Kerosene: Ksh156.83
🚨 What This Means for Kenyans
The upward revision of fuel prices is likely to trigger a rise in the cost of transportation, electricity, and basic goods. Many Kenyans rely on diesel-powered matatus and buses, and the increased costs may soon be passed on to passengers.
In rural areas where kerosene is still a popular household energy source, the almost Ksh10 increase per litre is a heavy blow, especially for low-income households.
Business owners who depend on diesel for transportation and generators may also see reduced margins as operational costs go up.
📊 Historical Context – Previous Trends in EPRA Reviews
Over the past year, EPRA has occasionally reduced fuel prices by small margins, offering temporary relief to Kenyans. For instance, in the May-June review, prices of all three products were either constant or slightly reduced. However, July’s review bucks that trend with one of the steepest hikes in over a year.
This shift has taken many Kenyans by surprise, especially at a time when household budgets are already strained by rising food and rent prices.
🗣️ Public Reaction
Social media users and advocacy groups have already started voicing their frustration. The price jump has led to renewed calls for the government to reconsider the tax burden on fuel, with many Kenyans demanding fuel subsidies or a reduction in VAT and excise duty.
Some politicians and civil society leaders argue that taxation makes up nearly 40% of the fuel cost, and this burdens ordinary citizens more than global price movements do.
🛡️ Government’s Position
While the government has not commented directly on the latest review, it has previously maintained that fuel pricing must reflect market realities. Officials have stated that fuel subsidies are unsustainable and that the current pricing model promotes fiscal discipline.
✅ Summary of Key Highlights:
| City | Super Petrol (Ksh) | Diesel (Ksh) | Kerosene (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 186.31 | 171.58 | 156.58 |
| Mombasa | 183.02 | 168.30 | 153.29 |
| Kisumu | 186.15 | 171.78 | 156.83 |
| Nakuru | 185.33 | 170.97 | 156.01 |
| Eldoret | 186.15 | 171.80 | 156.83 |
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📌 Final Thoughts
This major fuel price increase is a reminder of Kenya’s vulnerability to global oil market trends and the challenges of balancing energy affordability with economic sustainability. As fuel becomes more expensive, Kenyans will need to brace for knock-on effects on public transport fares, food costs, and energy bills.
Unless global oil prices stabilize or the government intervenes with tax reliefs or targeted subsidies, the cost of living in Kenya could remain high for the foreseeable future.