Fuel prices rise again in Kenya

New fuel prices in Kenya have been announced by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and take effect from 15 October until 14 November.

In Nairobi super petrol has increased by Sh6.31 to Sh115.26 a litre, with regular petrol now retailing at Sh105.76 a litre. Diesel went up by Sh5.04 and now costs Sh106.11 a litre, while kerosene increased by Sh6.36 to Sh86.01 a litre.

The ERC has attributed the latest fuel price review to “an inconsistent trend in the price of refined petroleum products in the international market over the last month".

In September the ERC increased Kenya's fuel prices in line with rising international fuel prices over the preceding three months. This resulted in super petrol in Nairobi increasing to 108.95 a litre, diesel to Sh101.07, and kerosene to Sh79.65.

The latest price increase has generated much criticism, with the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) claiming knock-on effects would include higher electricity, transport and food prices. The COFEK has taken legal action against the ERC over the increased fuel costs, with a court case scheduled for 31 October.

Meanwhile the Kenya Association of Independent Petroleum Dealers (KIPEDA) is also going to court in a bid to stop the ERC from issuing price increases on fuel until it introduces streamlined distribution. KIPEDA claims the ERC has failed to ensure proper fuel distribution, leading to problems such as the current shortage of diesel and kerosene being experienced in some parts of Kenya.