Pain at the pump as EPRA sharply increases fuel prices for October-November period

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a major upward revision in maximum retail petroleum prices for the October 15 to November 14 2026 pricing cycle, dealing a fresh economic blow to Kenyan consumers, motorists, and business operators.

The maximum retail fuel prices in Nairobi stand at Ksh 226.96 per litre for Super Petrol, Ksh 227.76 per litre for Diesel, and Ksh 219.87 per litre for Kerosene. Across major regional hubs, coastal Mombasa records the lowest pump rates at Ksh 223.80 (Petrol), Ksh 224.48 (Diesel), and Ksh 216.58 (Kerosene) due to proximity to the primary import terminal.

In contrast, inland supply destinations reflect additional pipeline and road transport costs: Nakuru sits at Ksh 225.85 (Petrol), Ksh 227.17 (Diesel), and Ksh 219.30 (Kerosene), while western hubs Kisumu and Eldoret both align at Ksh 226.62 (Petrol), Ksh 227.98 (Diesel), and Ksh 220.12 (Kerosene). Remote northern towns bear the highest logistical markups, with Garissa retailed at Ksh 233.33 for Petrol and Ksh 234.60 for Diesel, climbing to a high of Ksh 240.96 (Petrol), Ksh 242.23 (Diesel), and Ksh 234.33 (Kerosene) in Mandera.

Economic implications for households and businesses

1. Higher Transport and Logistics Costs: Public service vehicle (PSV) operators and long-haul transporters are anticipated to pass higher operational expenses on to commuters and cargo owners.
2. Pressure on Food and Manufacturing Output: Agriculture and industrial processing reliance on diesel power means production costs will rise, placing additional upward pressure on retail commodity prices.
3. Household Energy Burden: The Ksh 28.49 spike in kerosene retail prices represents one of the steepest single-cycle adjustments, directly straining budgets in marginalized and off-grid communities.