In the latest pricing update released by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the price of Super Petrol has increased by Ksh.16 per litre while Diesel has shot up by Ksh.46 per litre, marking one of the steepest fuel hikes in recent months.
The sudden rise is expected to trigger a ripple effect across the economy, with transport fares, food prices and the cost of goods likely to rise in the coming days.
Public service vehicle operators and logistics companies are among the sectors expected to feel the biggest impact as diesel powers a large percentage of commercial transport operations in the country.
Consumers have already begun expressing frustration over the latest increase, arguing that the higher pump prices will worsen the economic burden facing ordinary Kenyans.
Many households are still grappling with rising electricity bills, school fees and the increasing cost of basic commodities.
Economic analysts say the fuel hike could also fuel inflation, especially if transport and production costs are passed directly to consumers.
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Manufacturers who rely heavily on diesel-powered machinery may also be forced to adjust prices upward to cushion themselves from operational losses.
The increase comes amid ongoing volatility in global oil markets, with international crude prices remaining unstable due to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in foreign exchange markets.
The weakening of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar has also continued to make fuel imports more expensive.
Political leaders and consumer lobby groups are now expected to pile pressure on the government to intervene and cushion wananchi from the rising cost of energy.
Some stakeholders have called for a review of taxes imposed on petroleum products, arguing that levies continue to inflate pump prices beyond the reach of many Kenyans.
Transport operators are also warning that matatu fares could rise immediately, especially for long-distance routes, as operators seek to offset the increased fuel expenses.
Traders fear the higher transport costs could eventually push up the prices of food and other essential household goods across the country.
The latest review is likely to reignite debate over the government’s handling of the economy and the effectiveness of measures meant to stabilize fuel prices.
For many Kenyans, the new pump prices signal yet another difficult season as the cost of living continues to climb.
