Kenya has raised retail prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene following an increase in fuel import costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East, the country’s energy regulator has said.
Under the revised prices announced on Wednesday, petrol prices increased by six per cent, while diesel rose by 4.5 per cent, reflecting Kenya’s heavy reliance on fuel supplies from the Middle East.
In the capital, Nairobi, a litre of diesel will now sell for 227.76 Kenyan shillings, up from 217.86 shillings.
The price of kerosene has also increased to 219.87 shillings per litre from 191.38 shillings.
The new prices will remain in effect from Oct. 15 to Nov. 14, when the regulator is expected to announce another review.
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery Raises Diesel Price to ₦1,800 per Litre
To cushion consumers against the impact of rising fuel costs, the government has extended the reduction in value-added tax (VAT) on fuel to eight per cent from 16 per cent until Jan. 14.
Fuel price changes have significant implications for Kenya’s economy, affecting key sectors such as transport, agriculture and construction.
The latest increase comes amid higher international fuel costs associated with the conflict in the Middle East, a region that supplies nearly all of Kenya’s fuel imports.
One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 129.60 Kenyan shillings.
