Rising Air Ticket Fears After EPRA Fuel Review Sparks Kerosene Price Shock
Travellers relying on air transport could soon feel the impact of higher ticket prices after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in kerosene prices — a move that has already triggered unrest in Kenya’s transport sector.
The latest fuel review by EPRA saw kerosene prices rise by approximately Ksh38 per litre, even as diesel prices were reduced by about Ksh10 per litre following pressure from public transport operators and a disruptive two-day matatu strike earlier this week.
While much of the public attention has focused on the impact on households and road transport, aviation industry observers warn the consequences could extend far beyond bus fares and commuter costs.
Commercial airlines do not operate on petrol or diesel. Instead, aircraft engines rely on Jet A-1 fuel — a highly refined aviation-grade form of kerosene used globally across the airline industry.
That means any significant increase in kerosene pricing has the potential to push up airline operating costs, particularly at a time when carriers are already battling rising maintenance expenses, currency fluctuations, and intense competition.
Industry analysts note that fuel remains one of the single largest operational costs for airlines worldwide, often accounting for between 30 and 40 percent of total expenditure.
“Whenever aviation fuel prices rise sharply, airlines are left with very limited options,” one Nairobi-based aviation analyst explained.
“They can absorb the losses temporarily, reduce operational frequencies, or pass the costs to passengers through higher ticket prices.”
Why Aircraft Depend on Kerosene
Kerosene became the backbone of modern aviation during the early 20th century after engineers discovered it was more stable, efficient, and safer than petrol for high-altitude flight operations.
Over time, it evolved into what is now known as Jet A-1 fuel — the standard aviation fuel used by nearly all commercial airlines around the world.
The fuel is specifically engineered to perform under extreme conditions experienced during flight.
At cruising altitudes of approximately 35,000 feet, outside temperatures can plunge to nearly minus 50 degrees Celsius. Jet A-1 fuel is designed with a freezing point of around minus 47°C, ensuring it remains fluid and functional even in sub-zero atmospheric conditions.
It also has a significantly higher flash point than petrol, reducing the risk of accidental ignition during storage, handling, and airport refuelling operations.
Unlike ordinary petrol, kerosene burns in a slower and more controlled manner inside jet engines, allowing aircraft turbines to generate stable and predictable thrust throughout long-haul flights.
The fuel is additionally designed to maintain smooth flow characteristics at extremely low temperatures, preventing clogging or fuel delivery interruptions inside complex engine systems.
Experts further note that Jet A-1 carries a high energy density relative to its weight, enabling aircraft to travel long distances without carrying excessive fuel mass that would otherwise reduce efficiency and performance.
Strict international standards also govern aviation fuel production. Jet A-1 must meet precise requirements relating to freezing point, chemical composition, flash point, and contamination control, with special additives included to minimise ice formation and reduce internal engine corrosion.
Pressure on Airlines Could Reach Consumers
Although airlines may initially attempt to absorb part of the additional costs, analysts warn sustained increases in kerosene prices rarely remain isolated from consumers for long.
Because the aviation industry operates on narrow profit margins and highly competitive pricing structures, even modest fuel cost increases can eventually translate into higher airfares, baggage charges, or fuel surcharges.
The latest EPRA review therefore raises concerns that Kenyan travellers could soon face more expensive domestic and international flights if global and local fuel pressures persist.
The developments come as many passengers are already grappling with the high cost of travel amid broader economic uncertainty and rising living expenses.
Also Read: ‘With All Due Respect’: The Moment That Changed Kenya’s Fuel Crisis