Murban crude climbs to $110.46 a barrel, raising expectations of higher Kenyan pump prices

Kenya’s central bank reports Murban crude rose to $110.46 per barrel in late October, a move that could lift petrol, diesel and kerosene rates when EPRA publishes its next pricing schedule.

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The Central Bank of Kenya’s weekly bulletin shows Murban crude oil increased from $108.23 per barrel on 22 October to $110.46 per barrel on 29 October, equivalent to KSh 14,283 per barrel.

The bulletin attributes the upward movement to persistent geopolitical risks that keep global supply expectations tight.

Kenya imports virtually all of its crude, so shifts in international benchmarks flow directly into local petrol, diesel and kerosene prices.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) adjusts pump prices on a monthly cycle, using prevailing crude benchmarks and landing costs to set new rates.

When Murban prices rise during EPRA’s review window, the regulator typically publishes higher pump rates, affecting consumers and businesses alike.

Transport operators that rely on diesel often pass higher fuel costs to passengers through fare increases, while businesses dependent on generators or delivery fleets face rising operational expenses that can pressure the prices of everyday goods.

Stakeholders will watch crude price movements in the final days before EPRA’s next pricing cycle, as the direction of the market will shape the forthcoming pump‑price schedule.