EPRA Slashes Fuel Prices by Ksh2
Kenyan motorists and households have received a rare boost after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a reduction in fuel prices for the January–February review cycle.
In its latest monthly pricing review, EPRA confirmed that the maximum pump prices for Super Petrol, Automotive Diesel and Kerosene will fall across the country, with the new rates taking effect from midnight on 15 January and remaining in force until 14 February 2026.
According to the regulator, the price of Super Petrol has been reduced by KSh2.00 per litre, while Diesel and Kerosene have each dropped by KSh1.00 per litre, offering modest relief to consumers who have been grappling with persistently high living costs.
In Nairobi, motorists will now pay KSh182.52 per litre of Super Petrol, down from KSh184.52. Diesel will retail at KSh170.47, while Kerosene will cost KSh153.78 per litre. EPRA noted that the revised prices apply to all licensed fuel stations within the capital.
“For the period under review, the prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene have been reduced by KSh2.00, KSh1.00 and KSh1.00 per litre respectively,” EPRA said in a statement accompanying the announcement.
Regional price differences remain stark
While Nairobi residents will feel some relief, fuel prices continue to vary significantly across the country.
The coastal city of Mombasa will record the lowest prices among major towns, with Super Petrol retailing at KSh179.24 per litre, Diesel at KSh167.19, and Kerosene at KSh150.49.
In contrast, consumers in western Kenya face some of the highest fuel costs nationwide. In Kisumu, Super Petrol will sell at KSh190.88 per litre, Diesel at KSh178.83, and Kerosene at KSh162.13, reflecting the higher transportation and logistical costs associated with inland distribution.
In the Rift Valley, Nakuru motorists will pay KSh181.56 for petrol, KSh169.87 for diesel, and KSh153.21 for kerosene, while Eldoret will see pump prices of KSh182.38, KSh170.68, and KSh154.03 respectively.
Stronger shilling helps ease pressure
EPRA attributed the price reduction largely to the improved performance of the Kenyan Shilling against the US Dollar, a key factor given that petroleum imports are denominated in foreign currency.
The local currency has strengthened in recent months, trading at approximately KSh128 to the dollar, compared to around KSh132 in the previous quarter. This appreciation of roughly three per cent has helped reduce the cost of importing refined petroleum products.
“The average landed cost of imported petroleum products declined during the review period,” EPRA said, adding that this had a direct impact on the final pump prices paid by consumers.
Data from the regulator shows that the landed cost of Super Petrol fell from about KSh73,800 per cubic metre in the previous cycle to roughly KSh71,500 per cubic metre in January 2026. Diesel and kerosene also recorded modest declines in their respective landed costs, which include the Free on Board (FOB) price, freight charges and insurance.
Relief welcomed, but impact may be limited
The reduction has been welcomed by households and businesses, particularly those reliant on road transport, as fuel prices play a critical role in determining transport and food costs.
However, economists have cautioned that the KSh2-per-litre cut may have a limited effect on overall inflation, given the sharp and sustained fuel price increases recorded over the past year.
Despite this, EPRA insisted it would continue to monitor global oil markets and domestic economic conditions closely.
“The Authority shall continue to review petroleum pump prices in line with international market trends and local economic factors,” the regulator said.
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EPRA Slashes Fuel Prices by Ksh2