Kenyans are once again facing higher fuel prices after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new pump prices in its latest monthly review.
From July 15 to August 14, the prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene have gone up by Ksh.8.99, Ksh.8.67, and Ksh.9.65 per litre respectively.
These new prices have caused frustration among many citizens who are already dealing with the rising cost of living, job losses, and reduced income.
In Nairobi, a litre of super petrol will now cost Ksh.186.31, diesel will retail at Ksh.171.58, while kerosene will go for Ksh.156.58.
For ordinary Kenyans, this is yet another blow to their daily budgets, especially for those who depend on kerosene for cooking and lighting or diesel-powered vehicles for work.
Prices vary across different towns but the increase is uniform. In Mombasa, super petrol will now retail at Ksh.183.02, diesel at Ksh.168.30 and kerosene at Ksh.153.29 per litre.
In Kisumu, consumers will pay Ksh.186.15 for petrol, Ksh.171.78 for diesel and Ksh.156.83 for kerosene. These changes are likely to increase transport fares and push the cost of basic goods even higher, as most commodities in Kenya are moved by road.
This will hit low-income earners the hardest, as many are already struggling to survive in an economy that seems to offer them no relief.
Matatu operators, boda boda riders and small-scale traders are likely to be the first to feel the effects, followed by ordinary consumers who rely on public transport and goods supplied daily from different counties.
EPRA Director-General Daniel Bargoria blamed the increase on rising global oil prices. He stated that the average landed cost of imported super petrol rose by 6.45% from US$590.24 in May 2025 to US$628.30 in June 2025.
Diesel also went up by 6.27%, rising from US$580.23 to US$616.59 per cubic metre, while kerosene rose by 6.95% from US$569.00 to US$608.54.
This means that even before taxes, levies, and distribution costs are added, the basic cost of fuel had already gone up.
However, many Kenyans feel that the government continues to hide behind global trends while ignoring the impact of domestic taxes and policies that make fuel prices even worse.
Kenyans have often complained about the high number of taxes included in every litre of fuel. Out of the total cost, a significant portion goes to government levies, including VAT, petroleum development levy, road maintenance levy, and others.
This means that while global prices may fluctuate, the final cost is heavily influenced by domestic decisions. Many citizens and civil society groups have repeatedly asked the government to reduce these taxes, especially during hard economic times, but those calls have been ignored.With this latest increase, the cost of living is expected to rise again.
Many food products, especially those that depend on transport such as vegetables, flour, and cooking oil, may become more expensive.
Public service vehicle operators are expected to raise fares to meet their fuel costs, which will be passed down to passengers.
Small businesses that rely on generators and transport will also suffer, leading to higher prices for goods and services across the board.
Meanwhile, there is little sign that the government will offer any form of subsidy or relief to protect vulnerable households.
This trend of increasing fuel prices has become a monthly nightmare for Kenyans, with EPRA announcements now met with anger and anxiety. The question many people are asking is whether the government truly cares about the struggles of its citizens.
With no alternative energy sources or proper support programs in place, the poor and middle class are once again left to suffer while decision-makers point to global markets as the reason.
