Summary:
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has reduced the pump prices of Super Petrol and Kerosene by Ksh 1 per litre in its latest monthly fuel review, effective August 15 to September 14, 2025. Diesel prices remain unchanged despite higher import costs. This slight relief comes amid global market fluctuations and local taxation pressures.
New Fuel Prices at a Glance
The latest price review brings a small but welcome adjustment for motorists and households across Kenya.
- Nairobi:
- Super Petrol – Ksh 185.31
- Diesel – Ksh 171.58 (unchanged)
- Kerosene – Ksh 155.58
- Mombasa:
- Super Petrol – Ksh 182.03
- Diesel – Ksh 168.30
- Kerosene – Ksh 152.29
- Kisumu:
- Super Petrol – Ksh 185.16
- Diesel – Ksh 171.78
- Kerosene – Ksh 155.83
- Eldoret:
- Super Petrol – Ksh 185.15
- Diesel – Ksh 171.77
- Kerosene – Ksh 155.82
These prices will remain in effect until the next review on September 14, 2025.
Why the Price Change Happened
EPRA’s data shows that average landed costs — the price paid to import refined fuel into Kenya — shifted unevenly between June and July 2025:
- Super Petrol: Fell by 0.73% from USD 628.30 to USD 623.71 per cubic metre.
- Diesel: Rose by 3.08% from USD 627.65 to USD 646.97 per cubic metre.
- Kerosene: Rose by 3.20% from USD 606.22 to USD 625.63 per cubic metre.
The drop in Super Petrol’s import price explains its reduction at the pump, but Diesel’s and Kerosene’s higher import costs point to continued market volatility.
Taxes and Levies in Your Fuel Price
It’s important to note that these prices already include:
- 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) under the Finance Act 2023
- Excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020
- Levies such as the Petroleum Development Levy, Railway Development Levy, and the Road Maintenance Levy
This means a significant portion of what you pay at the pump is taxation — a consistent source of debate in Kenya’s cost-of-living discussions.
Impact on Consumers
- Motorists – The Ksh 1 drop in Super Petrol could save frequent drivers a few hundred shillings over the month, depending on mileage.
- Households – For families using Kerosene for cooking or lighting, the reduction provides slight relief amid high food and electricity costs.
- Businesses – Diesel’s unchanged price keeps operational costs steady for transport and manufacturing sectors, but rising landed costs hint at possible future hikes.
What This Means for the Economy
Kenya imports all its refined petroleum products, making local prices highly sensitive to:
- Global crude oil prices
- Exchange rate fluctuations (especially USD/KES)
- International shipping costs
- Regional geopolitical factors affecting oil supply
While this month’s changes are minor, they reflect broader global economic conditions that can shift sharply, as seen during past oil market disruptions.
Read Also: Kenya SACCO Deposit Insurance and Governance Reforms 2025
Looking Ahead
- Next Review Date: September 14, 2025 — market trends in August will determine whether prices drop further, remain stable, or climb.
- Global Market Watch: Brent crude prices and forex movements will be the key indicators to monitor.
- Policy Discussions: Debates over fuel taxation and subsidies may gain momentum if global prices remain high, especially with the cost-of-living crisis still a major concern.
Key Takeaways
- Super Petrol and Kerosene prices drop by Ksh 1/Litre, Diesel remains unchanged.
- Change driven by lower Super Petrol import costs but rising costs for Diesel and Kerosene.
- Taxation continues to form a large part of pump prices.
- Small consumer relief but overall economic pressures persist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current fuel price in Kenya?
As of August 15, 2025, Super Petrol in Nairobi costs Ksh 185.31/Litre, Diesel is Ksh 171.58/Litre, and Kerosene is Ksh 155.58/Litre. Prices vary slightly in other towns such as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret due to transport and distribution costs.
2. Why did EPRA reduce petrol and kerosene prices in August 2025?
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority lowered prices because the average landed cost of Super Petrol dropped by 0.73% between June and July. Kerosene prices also fell at the pump despite a 3.20% increase in import costs, likely due to pricing adjustments and smoothing measures.
3. Why did Diesel prices remain unchanged?
Diesel’s landed cost increased by 3.08%, but EPRA kept the pump price steady to protect transport, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors from higher operational costs.
4. How often does EPRA review fuel prices in Kenya?
EPRA conducts a monthly review of fuel prices, typically announcing new rates on the 15th of every month. Prices remain in effect for 30 days until the next review.
5. How much of the fuel price in Kenya is tax?
A significant portion — often more than 40% of the pump price — is made up of taxes and levies. These include VAT, excise duty, and various development levies that fund infrastructure and fuel stabilization programs.
6. What factors influence fuel prices in Kenya?
Fuel prices are mainly affected by:
- Global crude oil prices
- The Kenya Shilling exchange rate against the US Dollar
- Shipping and insurance costs
- Government taxes and levies
- Supply chain and storage costs within Kenya
7. When is the next EPRA fuel price review?
The next review will be on September 14, 2025, when EPRA will announce pump prices for the period between September 15 and October 14, 2025.
