NAIROBI, Kenya — For the third month in a row, Kenyans will pay the same at the pump. The country’s energy regulator has held fuel prices steady in its latest review, offering consumers a brief reprieve amid the broader strain of high living costs.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Tuesday said it would maintain the current prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene, citing a dip in the cost of importing fuel.
Super petrol will continue to retail at Sh174.00 per litre in Nairobi. Diesel stays at Sh164.00, and kerosene remains at Sh148.00 per litre.
In a statement, the regulator pointed to lower global prices for the decision. “The average landed cost of fuel products declined across the board,” EPRA said.
Data from the agency shows that between March and April 2025, the cost of imported petrol fell by nearly 3 percent. Diesel dropped by over 6 percent, while kerosene decreased by more than 4 percent.
Specifically, the average landed cost of petrol fell to $588.16 per cubic metre from $606.06 in March. Diesel declined from $636.75 to $594.60, while kerosene slipped from $628.22 to $599.84 over the same period.
Fuel prices in Kenya are reviewed monthly and are influenced by fluctuations in global oil markets and exchange rates, as well as taxes and levies imposed by the government.
While the unchanged prices may come as welcome news to motorists and households alike, analysts warn that the relief may be short-lived.
“Prices are stable for now, but the global oil market remains unpredictable,” said economist David Ndii, a presidential advisor. “We’re still exposed to any external shocks or currency pressure.”
Fuel costs in Kenya have remained a political flashpoint, especially in recent years, as inflation and a weak shilling squeeze consumers. The government removed subsidies in 2022, arguing they were unsustainable, but the move triggered backlash as prices shot up.
Transport operators and consumer lobby groups have long called for greater transparency in how fuel prices are set and for stronger protection against sharp spikes.
EPRA insists its pricing formula, which includes the landed cost, freight charges, and taxes, is structured to balance market realities with public interest.
Still, many Kenyans say they feel little relief at the pump.
“Petrol may not have gone up this month, but it’s still too high,” said James Mwangi, a boda boda rider in Nairobi. “Nothing else is getting cheaper so it’s hard to notice any real change.”
For now, with global prices cooling slightly, the freeze offers a temporary cushion. But the long-term outlook remains tied to forces beyond Kenya’s control and the everyday budget of many households still hangs in the balance.
