EPRA April 2026 Fuel Price Update

CN Quick Facts

Fuel Price Overview in Nairobi:

The revised prices apply from 16 April to 14 May 2026 following EPRA’s addendum to the initial 14 April price announcement.

Previous prices – 15 March to 14 April 2026:

• Super Petrol: KSh 178.28 per litre
• Diesel: KSh 166.54 per litre
• Kerosene: KSh 152.78 per litre

EPRA‘s original 14 April announcement had set Nairobi prices at KSh 206.97 for Super Petrol and KSh 206.84 for Diesel. However, a reduction in VAT from 13% to 8% prompted the regulator to recalculate the prices the following day.

Petrol and Diesel Prices Rise Sharply in April

Kenyan motorists are facing a significant increase in fuel costs during the April-May 2026 pricing cycle, with Super Petrol and Diesel recording their largest increases of the year so far.

In Nairobi, the revised maximum retail price for Super Petrol is KSh 197.60 per litre, up KSh 19.32 from the previous KSh 178.28. Diesel is now KSh 196.63 per litre, an increase of KSh 30.09 from KSh 166.54. Kerosene remains unchanged at KSh 152.78 per litre.

The revised prices took effect on 16 April 2026 and remain in force until 14 May 2026. The price increase follows a sharp rise in the cost of imported petroleum products amid disruptions in international energy markets linked to the conflict in the Middle East. EPRA’s initial announcement on 14 April would have pushed Nairobi Super Petrol to KSh 206.97 and Diesel to KSh 206.84.

Why Have Fuel Prices Increased in April 2026?

The April increase is primarily linked to the dramatic rise in the cost of imported petroleum products.

EPRA’s data shows that the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 41.53%, from US$582.11 per cubic metre in February 2026 to US$823.87 per cubic metre in March. Diesel recorded an even sharper increase of 68.72%, rising from US$636.45 to US$1,073.20 per cubic metre. Kerosene recorded the largest percentage increase, with its landed cost rising by 105.15%, from US$639.48 to US$1,311.93 per cubic metre.

These increases reflect the disruption to international petroleum markets during the review period, particularly the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments.

Kenya imports refined petroleum products, making local pump prices sensitive to international petroleum costs. Changes in the exchange rate also affect the shilling cost of imported fuel.

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 incorporated into the final retail price.

A significant increase in landed cost therefore puts upward pressure on pump prices. The April review demonstrates how quickly international supply disruptions can affect Kenya’s fuel market. Diesel’s landed cost, for example, increased by more than two-thirds in a single review period.

Why Did EPRA Reduce the Initial April Fuel Prices?

The April 2026 fuel review is unusual because the prices announced on 14 April were revised just one day later.

EPRA initially announced Nairobi prices of:

• Super Petrol: KSh 206.97 per litre
• Diesel: KSh 206.84 per litre
• Kerosene: KSh 152.78 per litre

However, the National Treasury subsequently revised the Value Added Tax rate applicable to petroleum products.

EPRA’s addendum stated that the VAT rate had been revised from 13% to 8%, prompting a recalculation of the maximum retail prices. As a result, the Nairobi pump price fell by KSh 9.37 per litre for Super Petrol and KSh 10.21 for Diesel, while Kerosene remained unchanged.

The revised Nairobi prices therefore became:

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

The reduction softened the initial increase, but motorists still face substantially higher prices than in March.

What Taxes Are Included in the April Fuel Prices?

Fuel pump prices include various taxes, levies and other components of the petroleum pricing formula. The April pricing cycle is particularly significant because the VAT treatment changed during the review.

The initial EPRA announcement reflected a reduction of VAT from 16% to 13%. A subsequent revision reduced the rate further to 8%, resulting in the 16 April recalculation. The lower VAT rate helped cushion motorists from an even larger increase caused by the surge in imported fuel costs.

However, taxes and levies remain an important component of the pump price. Motorists therefore should not interpret the movement in the pump price as a direct reflection of international crude oil prices alone.

What’s Behind the April 2026 Fuel Prices?

EPRA’s April review was influenced by several major factors:

• Imported Fuel Costs – The landed cost of Super Petrol increased by 41.53%, while Diesel increased by 68.72% and Kerosene by 105.15%.
• Middle East Conflict – Disruptions to international petroleum supply and shipping increased the cost of imported fuel.
• Strait of Hormuz – Disruptions around the strategic shipping route increased uncertainty and shipping costs for petroleum cargoes.
• Exchange Rate – The exchange rate used in the calculation was approximately KSh 130.08 per US dollar, meaning the cost of imported petroleum remained exposed to movements in the shilling-dollar exchange rate.
• VAT Reduction – The reduction of VAT to 8% provided some relief and reduced the prices initially announced by EPRA.

The combination of sharply higher import costs and the tax adjustment produced a fuel-price cycle unlike the relatively stable first quarter of 2026.

What are the Fuel Prices Across Kenya?

Fuel prices vary across the country because of transportation and distribution costs. Under the revised April-May pricing cycle, EPRA’s maximum retail prices include the following:

EPRA’s national pump-price data confirms that prices vary by location, with transportation and distribution costs contributing to the differences.

Mombasa continues to record lower prices for the major petroleum products because it is the country’s main entry point for imported fuel.

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

The substantial April fuel price hike pushes up monthly transport costs across the board, affecting private vehicle owners, commercial fleets, and public transport operators alike.

For private motorists, a 50-litre fill-up increases by KSh 966 for Super Petrol, bringing the total to KSh 9,880, and by KSh 1,504.50 for Diesel, bringing it to KSh 9,831.50.

Ride-hailing drivers face higher recurring fuel expenses that squeeze daily operating margins unless trip fares are adjusted.

Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators, including matatus and buses, face heavier diesel burdens from the significant Nairobi price increase, which could potentially translate into higher passenger fares.

Finally, commercial delivery and logistics fleets face sharply higher expenses, such as an extra KSh 30,090 monthly for a 1,000-litre fleet, which can ultimately drive up the broader cost of goods and services.

This illustrates why Diesel prices matter beyond motorists. Higher transport costs can feed into the cost of moving goods and providing services.

How Do April 2026 Fuel Prices Compare With Previous Months?

The April increase reverses much of the decline recorded during the first two months of 2026.

The April revised price of Super Petrol is KSh 19.32 higher than March.

Diesel has increased by KSh 30.09 per litre, while Kerosene remains unchanged.

The increase therefore wipes out much of the fuel-price relief motorists received during January and February.

Compared with December 2025, Super Petrol is now KSh 13.08 more expensive per litre, while Diesel is KSh 25.16 higher. Kerosene, however, is KSh 2.00 cheaper.

Fuel Tips for Car Owners – Maximise Every Drop

With fuel prices rising sharply, improving fuel efficiency becomes even more important.

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 can help reduce fuel consumption.
3. Service Your Vehicle Regularly: A well-maintained engine and properly serviced vehicle can operate more efficiently. Do not ignore warning lights or unusual vehicle behaviour.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Idling: If you expect to remain stationary for an extended period, avoid leaving the engine running unnecessarily where it is safe and appropriate to switch it off.
5. Plan Your Journeys: Combining trips and avoiding unnecessary journeys can reduce the amount of fuel consumed each month.

💡 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 197.60 per litre in Nairobi.
• Diesel rises to KSh 196.63 per litre.
• Kerosene remains at KSh 152.78 per litre.
• The revised prices apply from 16 April to 14 May 2026.
• Super Petrol is KSh 19.32 more expensive than in March.
• Diesel is KSh 30.09 more expensive than in March.
• The initial EPRA announcement would have pushed Petrol to KSh 206.97 and Diesel to KSh 206.84.
• A VAT reduction from 13% to 8% resulted in the revised prices.
• Imported Super Petrol landed cost increased by 41.53%.
• Diesel landed cost increased by 68.72%.
• Kerosene landed cost increased by 105.15%, although its pump price remained unchanged.
• Motorists should closely monitor international petroleum prices, supply disruptions, exchange rates and the next EPRA review.

What Should Motorists Watch in the Next EPRA Review?

The April 2026 fuel-price review marks a major change from the relative stability motorists experienced during the first quarter. The sharp increase in imported petroleum costs demonstrates how quickly international supply disruptions can affect fuel prices in Kenya. At the same time, the government’s VAT intervention shows that tax policy can significantly influence the final amount motorists pay at the pump.

The next EPRA review will therefore be closely watched.

Key factors to monitor include:

• International crude oil and refined petroleum prices
• Developments affecting petroleum shipping and supply
• The cost of imported fuel cargoes
• The USD/KSh exchange rate
• Applicable taxes and levies
• Government measures aimed at cushioning consumers

For motorists, the immediate priority is to manage fuel consumption carefully while recognising that the April increase is largely driven by factors beyond the local fuel station.

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 April 2026 fuel prices? How will the increase affect your monthly motoring budget? Share your views in the comments and join the discussion on the CarTalk KE Forum.

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