Kenya freezes pump prices as EPRA holds petrol at KSh214.03 and diesel at KSh217.86 despite import cost surge

Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) froze fuel pump prices from September 15 to October 14, 2026, maintaining super petrol at KSh214.03 and diesel at KSh217.86 per litre nationwide. The decision came despite rising import costs for petroleum products, officials said, aiming to stabilize prices amid global market fluctuations.

According to EPRA’s official pump price schedule, the maximum retail prices in Nairobi are set at KSh 214.03 per litre for super petrol, KSh 217.86 for diesel, and KSh 191.38 for kerosene. These prices apply nationwide, with minor variations in other towns reflecting transport and distribution costs. For instance, Mombasa’s maximum prices are KSh 210.87 for super petrol, KSh 214.58 for diesel, and KSh 188.09 for kerosene, while Kisumu’s rates stand slightly higher at KSh 213.69 for super petrol, KSh 218.08 for diesel, and KSh 191.63 for kerosene, according to EPRA’s pricing data.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced the price freeze on September 14, 2026, confirming that the unchanged fuel prices would take effect at midnight on September 15 and remain in force until October 14, 2026.

The decision to hold pump prices steady comes despite rising import costs for petroleum products. Industry reports indicate that while petrol import costs declined by nearly 8 percent in August 2026, the landed costs of diesel and kerosene increased sharply—by over 9 percent and 11 percent respectively. Analysts cited by business media explained that EPRA balanced these fluctuations through adjustments in taxes, exchange rates, and dealer margins to maintain retail price stability. This approach follows a pattern established earlier in the year; in the March 15 to April 14, 2026 review period, EPRA also kept prices unchanged despite increased landed costs across all three fuel types, according to official statements and market analyses.

Records show that the current pricing plateau has been in place for several months. Since July–August 2026, super petrol has remained steady at KSh 214.03 per litre in Nairobi, with kerosene also stable at KSh 191.38. Diesel prices were reduced by KSh 5 to KSh 217.86 in August–September 2026 and have remained at that level for the September–October cycle. EPRA’s consumer-facing fuel price tables updated on September 14 and 15 confirm that the September–October review is a retention of these existing prices, marking two consecutive monthly cycles without increases for petrol and kerosene.

Government involvement has played a role in stabilizing fuel prices during this period. Reports from August 2026 indicate that President William Ruto’s administration allocated approximately KSh 938 million to cushion consumers from rising costs, particularly for petrol and kerosene. This fiscal intervention, combined with EPRA’s regulatory measures, has helped prevent immediate price hikes at the pumps despite volatile global market conditions. Treasury-focused coverage highlights ongoing efforts by the government to seek funding and mechanisms aimed at lowering or stabilizing fuel prices, with EPRA’s fixed Nairobi prices serving as a reference point.

Public and media reactions to the September–October price freeze have been mixed. Kenyan outlets widely reported the decision as offering no relief for motorists, given that fuel prices remain above KSh 210 per litre for petrol in Nairobi. Coverage noted strong public responses following EPRA’s announcement that fuel prices would remain unchanged for another 30 days, especially in light of rising landed costs for diesel and kerosene. Some reports framed the freeze as a temporary reprieve from further increases, emphasizing that while import costs rose, consumers were spared immediate additional financial burdens at the pumps. However, concerns persist about the impact of sustained high fuel prices on transport costs, food prices, and inflation, according to media commentary.

The September–October freeze continues a broader trend in 2026 where EPRA has occasionally decoupled retail fuel prices from short-term import cost movements. Between July and October 2026, super petrol and kerosene prices have remained constant across multiple review periods, while diesel prices were adjusted downward once before being held steady. Analysts and business sources interpret this sequence as evidence of an active price-stabilization policy by EPRA, which uses regulatory levers such as taxes, exchange rate assumptions, and margin controls to smooth out volatility in global petroleum markets. This approach aligns with government efforts to balance economic and political considerations amid fluctuating international fuel prices.

EPRA’s next scheduled fuel price review is expected in mid-October 2026, when the regulator will assess whether to maintain the current price levels or adjust them based on prevailing market conditions. The ongoing price stabilization efforts will likely continue to depend on global petroleum price trends, government fiscal support, and domestic economic factors.