Kenya’s fuel prices will remain unchanged for another month after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced its latest monthly review on Sunday, December 4, dampening expectations of lower pump prices during the festive season.
Under the review, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will continue to retail at Sh184, Sh171 and Sh154 respectively in Nairobi for the next 30 days, from midnight until the next price review scheduled for mid-January 2026.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene remain unchanged,” said EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo.
In its statement, the energy sector regulator said the prices are inclusive of taxes and take into account fluctuations in global petroleum prices. EPRA noted that a 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duty are among the charges added to the landing costs, in line with the Finance Act and the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act of 2024.
“The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol decreased by 4.25 per cent from Sh79,712 per cubic metre in October 2025 to Sh76,326 per cubic metre in November 2025; Diesel increased by 3.02 per cent from Sh84,231 per cubic metre over the same period,” read part of the statement.
Despite the US dollar dominating global petroleum trade, fuel prices were not significantly affected by currency movements after Kenya maintained a relatively stable exchange rate of about Sh129 over the past month.
EPRA further noted that pump prices will vary by region, with lower prices recorded in coastal areas compared to Nairobi, while motorists in the North Eastern parts of the country will pay the highest rates due to longer supply distances and higher logistical costs.
In Mombasa, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will retail at Sh181, Sh168 and Sh151 respectively. In contrast, motorists in Mandera will pay Sh206 for Super Petrol, Sh193 for Diesel and Sh176 for Kerosene.
The decision comes as many Kenyans had hoped for lower pump prices during the festive season, a period often characterised by increased travel and social activities that drive up domestic energy consumption.
Industry observers say the regulator’s decision reflects a balancing act between global oil price movements, tax obligations and the need to maintain price stability, particularly as diesel costs — a key input for transport, manufacturing and power generation — continued to rise during the review period.
As the year draws to a close, attention now shifts to the January review, which consumers hope could bring some relief at the pump.
