Nairobi — Yesterday, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased fuel prices countrywide, which sent shockwaves across the country.
A litre of petrol was increased by Sh16.96, Sh21.32 for diesel, and Sh33.13 for kerosene.
EPRA linked the steep rise to a growth in the landed cost of the above products amid volatility in the global crude oil market.
However, pump prices are not uniform throughout the country owing to their proximity to the Port of Mombasa.
For example, a litre of petrol is the most expensive in the country in Mandera Town (Mandera County) at Sh225.64. Diesel retails at Sh214.99 and kerosene at Sh216.55.
Likewise, in Meru's most towns, super goes for Sh215.97, diesel goes for Sh204.31, and kerosene goes for Sh205.92.
In Migori Town, a litre of petrol costs Sh213.19, a litre of diesel costs Sh202.95, and a litre of kerosene costs Sh204.57.
Only yesterday did Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Davis Chirchir tell the National Assembly's Energy Committee that there is nothing the government can do to reduce current high fuel prices.
The CS, nonetheless, predicted tougher times ahead.
"We are dealing with several governments and the suppliers of these products. We are likely to be going to even harder times," Chirchir told parliamentarians.
"There is nothing much we can do about it. It is just unfortunate that we do not have our own products," the CS added.
Chirchir's statement came barely hours after Trade CS Moses Kuria warned Kenyans to prepare for the even higher cost of petrol, diesel, and kerosene, as their prices are expected to rise by Sh10 monthly until February 2024.
"Global Crude Prices are on an upward trajectory. For planning purposes expect pump prices to go up by Ksh 10 every month till February," he posted on his X app account.
The expected rise in prices will hurt Kenyans, who are already battling with high fuel prices.
Nevertheless, fuel prices are way cheaper in the coastal towns of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu.
In Mombasa, for example, a litre of petrol sells for Sh208.58, diesel (Sh197.93), and kerosene (Sh199.54).
