Energy regulators announced steep price increases for all petroleum products that took effect at midnight on Wednesday, October 15.

In Nairobi, the price of petrol rose from KSh 214.03 to KSh 226.96 per litre, a KSh 12.93 increase.

Diesel climbed from KSh 217.86 to KSh 227.76 per litre, adding KSh 9.90 to the cost per litre.

Kerosene, widely used for cooking and lighting, recorded the steepest rise, jumping KSh 28.49 to KSh 219.87 per litre.

Citizen TV anchor Mashirima Kapombe posted a reaction on her Instagram Stories, describing the hike with a single word that resonated with many Kenyans.

Analysts attribute the price surge to renewed conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted international energy supplies and pushed refined petroleum prices to decade‑high levels.

The government has kept a reduced 8% VAT on petroleum products in place through mid‑December, but the tax cut has done little to offset the higher base prices for consumers.

Experts warn that higher diesel costs will affect transport, electricity generation and agricultural activities, potentially raising the price of goods and food across the economy.