International benchmark oil prices have remained above $100 per barrel, with the latest reading at Sh12,991, as markets stay wary of supply disruptions and rising freight costs.

Brent crude, the reference grade, traded near $104 per barrel (Sh13,511) on Friday, October 9, after gaining roughly 1.5 % over the week.

The price level is about 49 % higher than the pre‑war Brent price of around $70 per barrel (Sh9,094) recorded before the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran began on February 28.

Shipping disruptions continue to pressure the market, with eleven tankers attacked in the Strait of Hormuz during the week ending October 4 and vessel delays driving freight rates to record highs.

Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will announce the next set of monthly pump prices on October 15, following its September review that capped petrol at Sh214.03 per litre, diesel at Sh217.86, and kerosene at Sh191.38.

While global crude trends are a primary input, EPRA’s final price calculation will also factor in the cost of imported petroleum products, the exchange rate, taxes and other components of Kenya’s fuel‑pricing formula.