KPA Announces Jet Fuel Shipment Days Before EPRA Fuel Price Review as 48 Ships Head for Kenyan Ports
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced that a shipment of Jet A1 aviation fuel will arrive at the Port of Mombasa just days before the next review of fuel prices by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), a development that is likely to draw attention from airlines, travellers and energy sector players.
In a vessel schedule released on Tuesday, July 7, KPA confirmed that 48 cargo vessels are expected to dock at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu over the next two weeks, with the Torm Damini scheduled to arrive at the Port of Mombasa on July 9 carrying Jet A1 fuel used by commercial airlines.
The announcement comes only seven days before EPRA unveils its monthly fuel price review, which determines the maximum retail prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene across the country.
“A total of 48 cargo vessels will call the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu over the next 14 days, according to the latest vessel schedule,” KPA said in a statement.
Although the arrival of fresh aviation fuel could help strengthen supply levels, it does not automatically mean that the upcoming EPRA review will result in lower fuel prices, as the regulator considers several factors including global oil prices, exchange rates, taxes and the cost of imported petroleum products.
The shipment nevertheless comes at a time when airlines have been grappling with rising operating costs following the latest increase in Jet A1 prices.
During EPRA’s previous monthly review, the price of Jet A1 fuel increased by KSh38 per litre to KSh191.38, significantly raising operating expenses for airlines and adding pressure on airfares.
Industry analysts say stable fuel supplies remain critical for Kenya’s aviation sector, particularly during periods of fluctuating international oil markets.
The latest vessel schedule also underscores the growing strategic importance of the Port of Mombasa, which has recently served as a key regional hub for ships diverted from the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened geopolitical tensions and congestion along traditional shipping routes.
Beyond the aviation fuel shipment, several other vessels are expected to deliver cargo essential to Kenya’s economy.
These include consignments of fertiliser, palm oil, bulk wheat, bagged rice, iron ore, clinker, coal and steel coils destined for the agriculture, manufacturing and construction sectors.
The schedule also includes multiple vehicle carriers such as Hoegh Trotter, Don Juan and Anvil Points, which are expected to offload imported motor vehicles into the Kenyan market.
According to KPA, the Port of Mombasa will receive the lion’s share of the traffic, with 43 vessels scheduled to dock. These comprise 24 container ships, 10 conventional cargo vessels, seven car carriers and two oil tankers.
Meanwhile, the Port of Lamu is expected to receive five container vessels and two car carriers during the same period, highlighting continued growth in cargo movement through Kenya’s second major commercial port.
The arrivals reflect sustained import activity as Kenya continues to receive strategic commodities that support transport, energy, agriculture and industrial production ahead of the next fuel pricing announcement.
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July 7, 2026