The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp upward revision of maximum allowable retail fuel prices for the October 15 to November 14, 2026 pricing cycle, ending a month‑long price freeze.

In Nairobi, the ceiling for Super Petrol is now KSh 226.96 per litre, up KSh 12.93 from the previous KSh 214.03, while diesel is capped at KSh 227.76 per litre, a rise of KSh 9.90.

Kerosene faces the steepest increase, with a new ceiling of KSh 219.87 per litre – KSh 28.49 higher than the prior KSh 191.38 level.

Mombasa’s caps are slightly lower at KSh 223.81 for petrol, KSh 224.61 for diesel and KSh 216.71 for kerosene; Kisumu and Eldoret will see caps of KSh 226.51 for petrol and KSh 227.71 for diesel.

EPRA Director General Eng. Edward Mwirigi Kinyua explained that the revision reflects heightened volatility in global energy markets, particularly disruptions to supply routes caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

He noted that the landed cost of Super Petrol rose from USD 600 to USD 1,300 per metric tonne, while crude oil prices peaked at USD 106 per barrel during the review period.

Kinyua added that the larger kerosene increase aims to narrow the historic price gap between kerosene and motor fuels, a move intended to curb fuel adulteration that damages public‑transport engines.

The price caps are legally binding for all retail stations until mid‑November, but the regulator highlighted that legislative cushions prevented even higher ceilings.

On the same day, the National Assembly passed the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, extending the emergency 8 % VAT rate on fuel products until 14 January 2027, thereby averting a jump to the standard 16 % rate.

Analysts warned that previous fiscal subsidies have depleted stabilization reserves, leaving the regulator to pass most of the global price shock directly onto consumers.