EPRA January 2026 Fuel Price Update

CN Quick Facts

Price Overview in Nairobi:

Previous prices – 15 December 2025 to 14 January 2026:

• Super Petrol: KSh 184.52 per litre
• Diesel: KSh 171.47 per litre
• Kerosene: KSh 154.78 per litre

The January reductions mark the first downward adjustment after several months of unchanged prices.

Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene Prices Fall

Kenyan motorists will pay slightly less for fuel in the first pricing cycle of 2026 after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reduced the maximum retail prices of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene.

The new prices took effect at midnight on 15 January 2026 and will remain in force until 14 February 2026. Super Petrol has fallen by KSh 2.00 per litre, while Diesel and Kerosene have each dropped by KSh 1.00 per litre.

In Nairobi, Super Petrol now retails at KSh 182.52 per litre, Diesel at KSh 170.47 per litre, and Kerosene at KSh 153.78 per litre. The reductions follow lower landed costs for imported petroleum products during the review period.

Why Have Fuel Prices Fallen in January 2026?

The January reduction is largely linked to changes in the cost of imported petroleum products.

EPRA reported that the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol declined by 0.10%, from US$592.84 per cubic metre in November 2025 to US$592.24 per cubic metre in December 2025.

The decline was more significant for Diesel and Kerosene. Diesel’s average landed cost fell by 4.20%, from US$654.24 to US$626.75 per cubic metre, while Kerosene fell by 8.92%, from US$667.05 to US$607.55 per cubic metre.

Kenya imports its petroleum products in refined form, meaning local pump prices remain exposed to movements in international petroleum markets. Petroleum products are traded internationally in US dollars, so exchange-rate movements also influence the final cost of fuel in Kenya.

CN Explained

The landed cost is the cost associated with bringing imported petroleum products into the country before other domestic costs, taxes, levies and margins are included in the retail price.

When the landed cost falls, it can create room for lower pump prices, provided other components of the pricing formula do not offset the reduction.

What Taxes Are Included in the January Fuel Prices?

The prices announced by EPRA include applicable taxes and levies.

The January 2026 prices include 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and revised excise-duty rates adjusted for inflation under Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.

This means the reduction in the pump price does not simply reflect the movement in international oil prices. Taxes, levies, import-related costs, distribution expenses and other components of the petroleum pricing formula continue to form part of what motorists pay at the pump.

What’s Behind the January 2026 Fuel Prices?

EPRA’s adjustments are influenced by several factors:

• Global Crude Prices – Murban Crude Oil prices increased from USD 69.81 per barrel in August to USD 71.12 in September 2025.
• Landed Cost – Super Petrol down 0.14%, Diesel up 0.06%, Kerosene down 1.62%.
• Forex Rates – The Kenyan Shilling remained stable, with a slight decrease in the USD/KES rate, which fell from 129.62 in August to 129.52 in September 2025.
  

What are the Fuel Prices Across Kenya?

What Does the January Fuel Price Cut Mean for Motorists and the Economy?

The reductions are relatively small, but they still offer some relief to motorists who buy fuel regularly. Drivers using petrol vehicles will see the largest reduction per litre among the three products. However, a KSh 2.00 reduction should not be interpreted as a major change in the overall cost of vehicle ownership. Fuel remains one of several recurring costs that motorists need to budget for, alongside servicing, insurance, tyres, repairs and parking.

Public service vehicle operators rely heavily on fuel, particularly Diesel. The KSh 1.00 reduction in Diesel provides some cost relief, although the effect on passenger fares will depend on several other operating expenses, including vehicle maintenance, wages, financing and route-related costs.

For households that depend on kerosene for cooking and lighting, the price drop offers some cost relief.

How Do January 2026 Fuel Prices Compare With Previous Months?

The January reduction follows several months during which Nairobi’s maximum retail prices remained unchanged.

The January 2026 prices remain higher than those recorded at the beginning of 2025, despite the latest reduction.

Compared with January 2025, Super Petrol is KSh 5.94 more expensive per litre, Diesel is KSh 3.41 higher, and Kerosene is KSh 2.39 higher.

The broader trend therefore shows that the January cut represents a modest correction rather than a return to the lower fuel prices seen at the beginning of 2025.

CN Fuel Budget Impact

For motorists trying to understand the practical effect of the January reduction, consider a vehicle that uses 50 litres of Super Petrol each month.

At the previous Nairobi maximum price of KSh 184.52 per litre:

50 litres × KSh 184.52 = KSh 9,226

At the new price of KSh 182.52:

50 litres × KSh 182.52 = KSh 9,126

That represents a monthly saving of approximately KSh 100, assuming the same 50-litre consumption.

For a Diesel vehicle using 50 litres per month, the saving is approximately KSh 50.

The actual monthly saving will depend on how much fuel a vehicle consumes and how frequently it is refuelled. For high-mileage motorists and commercial fleets, the cumulative saving can be greater because they consume significantly more fuel.

Fuel Tips for Car Owners – Maximise Every Drop

To improve fuel efficiency and make a small reduction in costs more impactful:

1. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption. Check regularly and use the recommended pressures.
2. Drive Smoothly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as smooth driving leads to more efficient fuel use.
3. Service Your Vehicle Regularly: A well-maintained vehicle operates efficiently. Keep up with servicing and address any warning signs.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Idling: Turn off the engine if you’re stationery for a long time to reduce fuel waste.

💡 Check out our Why Regular Car Servicing Saves You Money article for more tips.

CN Key Takeaways

• Super Petrol falls by KSh 2.00 to KSh 182.52 per litre in Nairobi.
• Diesel falls by KSh 1.00 to KSh 170.47 per litre.
• Kerosene falls by KSh 1.00 to KSh 153.78 per litre.
• The new prices apply from 15 January to 14 February 2026.
• The reductions are linked largely to lower landed costs of imported petroleum products.
• Fuel prices remain different across Kenya because of transport and distribution costs.
• The January 2026 prices remain above January 2025 levels.
• Motorists should continue monitoring international oil prices, exchange rates and the next EPRA review.

What Should Motorists Watch in the Next EPRA Review?

The January reduction provides some relief, but motorists should remember that fuel prices can move in either direction. The next EPRA review will depend on the factors included in the petroleum pricing mechanism, particularly changes in international petroleum costs, landed costs, exchange rates and applicable taxes and levies.

For motorists, the key issue is therefore not simply whether prices fall this month, but whether the downward trend can continue over subsequent pricing cycles.

CarNews KE will keep monitoring EPRA’s monthly fuel price reviews and their implications for Kenyan motorists, businesses, and the broader economy.

Join the Conversation

💬 What are your thoughts on the fuel prices for January 2026? Share your opinions or predictions for next month in the comments, and join the discussion on the CarTalk KE Forum.

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