EPRA May 2026 Fuel Price Update

CN Quick Facts

Fuel Price Overview in Nairobi:

The revised prices apply from 19 May to 14 June 2026. Super Petrol remained at the price announced on 14 May, while EPRA subsequently reduced Diesel by KSh 10.06 and increased Kerosene by KSh 38.60.

Previous prices – 16 April to 14 May 2026:

• Super Petrol: KSh 197.60 per litre
• Diesel: KSh 196.63 per litre
• Kerosene: KSh 152.78 per litre

The May review represents another sharp increase in fuel costs, with Diesel recording the largest increase from the previous cycle. EPRA’s initial May announcement set Nairobi Diesel at KSh 242.92 before the mid-cycle revision.

Petrol and Diesel Prices Rise Sharply in May

Kenyan motorists are facing another significant increase in fuel prices during the May-June 2026 pricing cycle.

EPRA initially announced on 14 May 2026 that Super Petrol would rise by KSh 16.65 per litre and Diesel by KSh 46.29, while Kerosene would remain unchanged. This placed Nairobi prices at KSh 214.25 for Super Petrol, KSh 242.92 for Diesel and KSh 152.78 for Kerosene.

However, the regulator issued a mid-cycle revision effective 19 May, following a petition from public transport operators concerning the large price difference between Diesel and Kerosene and the associated risk of fuel adulteration.

Under the revised prices, Super Petrol remained at KSh 214.25, Diesel fell to KSh 232.86, while Kerosene increased to KSh 191.38 per litre in Nairobi. The revised prices remain in force until 14 June 2026.

Why Have Fuel Prices Increased in May 2026?

The May increase follows another sharp rise in the cost of imported petroleum products.

EPRA’s May review found that the average landed cost of imported:

• Super Petrol increased by 10.00%, from US$823.87 per cubic metre in March to US$906.23 in April.
• Diesel increased by 20.32%, from US$1,073.20 to US$1,291.98 per cubic metre.
• Kerosene increased by 1.59%, from US$1,311.93 to US$1,332.73 per cubic metre.

The increases came amid continued disruption in international petroleum markets linked to geopolitical tensions and supply concerns in the Middle East. Kenya imports refined petroleum products, meaning changes in international prices can have a direct effect on the cost of products entering the country.

The May review therefore continued the sharp upward movement that began in April.

CN Explained

The landed cost is the cost associated with bringing imported petroleum products into Kenya before domestic taxes, levies, distribution costs and margins are included in the final pump price.

Because petroleum products are purchased in international markets, their cost is affected by global supply and demand, international oil prices, shipping conditions and the USD/KSh exchange rate.

The May figures demonstrate the importance of landed costs. Diesel’s landed cost increased by more than 20% in one review period, contributing to substantial upward pressure on the domestic pump price.

Why Did EPRA Revise the May Fuel Prices Mid-Cycle?

The May 2026 fuel review took an unusual turn after EPRA announced the initial prices.

The original prices effective from 15 May were:

• Super Petrol: KSh 214.25
• Diesel: KSh 242.92
• Kerosene: KSh 152.78

The large difference between Diesel and Kerosene prices subsequently became a concern for public transport operators. EPRA then recalculated the maximum retail prices following a petition from public transport sector operators regarding the risk of motor-fuel adulteration arising from the price difference between Diesel and Kerosene.

The revised prices from 19 May were therefore:

• Super Petrol: KSh 214.25
• Diesel: KSh 232.86
• Kerosene: KSh 191.38

The change reduced the Diesel price by KSh 10.06 while increasing Kerosene by KSh 38.60. Super Petrol was unchanged.

What Taxes Are Included in the May Fuel Prices?

EPRA stated that the May prices include applicable Value Added Tax and other taxes and levies under Kenya’s petroleum pricing framework.

The pricing announcement referenced the VAT Act, the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024 and revised excise-duty rates adjusted for inflation.

The 8% VAT rate introduced during the April pricing cycle remained applicable in May.

The government also continued using the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to cushion consumers against the full impact of the increase.

According to reporting on EPRA’s May review, approximately KSh 5 billion was deployed for price stabilisation during the cycle, compared with approximately KSh 6.2 billion in the previous cycle.

The use of the stabilisation mechanism means the pump prices do not necessarily reflect the full underlying cost of imported petroleum products.

What’s Behind the May 2026 Fuel Prices?

Several factors shaped the May review:

• Landed Costs – Super Petrol increased by 10.00%, Diesel by 20.32% and Kerosene by 1.59%.
• International Petroleum Markets – Global petroleum prices remained elevated amid supply concerns and geopolitical tensions.
• Middle East Disruptions – Continued disruption to international petroleum supply chains placed upward pressure on imported fuel costs.
• Forex Rates – The USD/KSh exchange rate used in the review was approximately KSh 129.56 per US dollar, compared with KSh 130.08 in the previous cycle. The slight appreciation of the shilling provided some relief but was insufficient to offset the increase in landed costs.
• Fuel Price Stabilisation – Government intervention through the Petroleum Development Levy Fund helped cushion the final pump prices.

The result was a second consecutive month of major increases in the cost of Super Petrol and Diesel.

What are the Fuel Prices Across Kenya?

Fuel prices differ between towns because of transportation and distribution costs. Under the revised May-June pricing cycle, EPRA’s maximum retail prices include:

The differences reflect the cost of transporting petroleum products from the country’s main import point at Mombasa to other parts of Kenya.

What Does the May Fuel Price Increase Mean for Motorists and the Economy?

The May fuel price hike hits Kenya’s economy well beyond the pump. Because diesel powers public transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns these rising costs will quickly push up the broader price of goods and services.

Individual drivers face immediate hits to their monthly budgets. A motorist consuming 50 litres of Super Petrol pays an extra KSh 832.50 per month, while a diesel driver using the same amount sees a much steeper increase of KSh 1,811.50. High-mileage ride-hailing drivers suffer directly, as higher fuelling costs eat straight into their daily operating margins.

Commercial operators face the heaviest burden. Public transport operators were hit so hard that initial rates sparked nationwide disruptions before EPRA adjusted the diesel price downward. Even with that revision, costs remain high. For delivery fleets using 1,000 litres of diesel monthly, expenses jump by KSh 36,230, a massive surge in logistics costs that will ultimately be passed on to consumers.

How Do May 2026 Fuel Prices Compare With Previous Months?

The May increase reverses much of the fuel-price relief motorists received during January and February.

The change is particularly significant for Diesel. Compared with March, the revised May Diesel price is KSh 66.32 higher per litre.

Super Petrol is KSh 35.97 higher per litre than in March.

Kerosene has increased by KSh 38.60 per litre from its March price.

The May review therefore represents a major reversal of the downward trend recorded during the opening months of 2026.

Fuel Tips for Car Owners – Maximise Every Drop

With fuel prices significantly higher, improving fuel efficiency can help motorists manage their running costs.

1. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and can increase fuel consumption. Check tyre pressures regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommended settings.
2. Drive Smoothly: Avoid unnecessary hard acceleration and braking. Smooth driving helps reduce fuel consumption.
3. Service Your Vehicle Regularly: A properly maintained vehicle can operate more efficiently. Address warning lights and unusual vehicle behaviour promptly.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Idling: If your vehicle is going to remain stationary for an extended period, avoid unnecessary engine idling where it is safe and appropriate to switch the engine off.
5. Plan Your Journeys: Combining trips and reducing unnecessary journeys can help reduce monthly fuel consumption.

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

CN Key Takeaways

• Super Petrol rises to KSh 214.25 per litre in Nairobi.
• Diesel is KSh 232.86 per litre following EPRA’s mid-cycle revision.
• Kerosene is KSh 191.38 per litre following the revision.
• The revised prices apply from 19 May to 14 June 2026.
• Super Petrol increased by KSh 16.65 from the April price.
• Diesel is KSh 36.23 higher than the April revised price.
• Kerosene is KSh 38.60 higher than the April price.
• EPRA’s initial May Diesel price was KSh 242.92 before the mid-cycle revision.
• Diesel’s landed cost increased by 20.32% during the review period.
• Super Petrol’s landed cost increased by 10.00%.
• Kerosene’s landed cost increased by 1.59%.
• The government continued using the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to cushion consumers.
• Motorists should closely monitor international petroleum prices, exchange rates and the next EPRA review.

What Should Motorists Watch in the Next EPRA Review?

The May fuel-price review highlights how quickly international petroleum-market disruptions can affect motorists in Kenya. The increase in landed costs has now translated into substantially higher pump prices for Super Petrol and Diesel, despite government intervention through the Petroleum Development Levy Fund.

The mid-cycle revision also demonstrates that EPRA’s published prices can change within a pricing period when exceptional circumstances require intervention.

For motorists, the June review will therefore be particularly important.

Key factors to watch include:

• International crude and refined petroleum prices
• Developments affecting global petroleum supply
• The cost of imported fuel cargoes
• The USD/KSh exchange rate
• Petroleum taxes and levies
• Government fuel-price stabilisation measures
• The evolution of the global Middle East supply situation

The key question is whether the sharp increases recorded in April and May will continue or whether easing international petroleum costs will provide room for lower prices in the next cycle.

CarNews KE will continue monitoring EPRA’s monthly fuel-price reviews and explaining what they mean for Kenyan motorists, businesses and the wider economy.

Join the Conversation

💬 What are your thoughts on the May 2026 fuel prices? How will the higher Petrol and Diesel prices affect your monthly motoring budget? Share your views in the comments and join the discussion on the CarTalk KE Forum.

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