Nairobi is feeling the pinch. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced new fuel prices in Kenya effective until June 14, 2026, and diesel has shattered records. If you drive in Nairobi, run a matatu business along Mombasa Road, or operate logistics from the Industrial Area, this fuel crisis affects your bottom line directly.
In this guide, we break down the latest EPRA fuel prices in Nairobi, why diesel crossed KSh 242 per litre, and what Kenyan car owners, transport operators, and businesses must do next.
EPRA released the new pump prices following the latest monthly review. Here are the confirmed fuel prices in Nairobi and major towns across Kenya:
| Fuel Type | New Price (KSh/Litre) | Price Change | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | KSh 242.92 | ⬆️ +KSh 46.29 | 🔴 Critical |
| Petrol (Super) | KSh 214.25 | ⬆️ +KSh 16.65 | 🟠 High |
| Kerosene | KSh 152.78 | ➡️ No Change | 🟡 Moderate |
⚠️ Note: These are Nairobi pump prices. EPRA prices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret may vary slightly due to transport and distribution margins.
Diesel at KSh 242.92 per litre is now the most expensive fuel category in Kenya. Unlike petrol — used mainly by private car owners in Nairobi suburbs like Karen, Lavington, and Westlands — diesel powers the engines of Kenya’s economy.
A KSh 46.29 jump per litre is not a minor adjustment. For a 50-litre tank, that’s an extra KSh 2,314.50 per fill. For a logistics truck with a 300-litre tank, that’s KSh 13,887 more per refill.
Understanding why EPRA raised fuel prices helps Nairobi businesses and households plan ahead. Here are the key drivers:
International Brent crude prices remain unstable. Supply uncertainty from OPEC+ production cuts and global demand spikes continues to push base prices upward.
Ongoing instability involving Iran, Israel, and US foreign policy has disrupted oil supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for crude headed to Asian refineries that supply Kenya.
The Kenyan Shilling remains under pressure against the US Dollar. Since Kenya imports refined fuel (and crude for the Mombasa refinery), every slight weakening of the shilling makes fuel imports more expensive.
Shipping costs from the Middle East, port handling charges at Mombasa, pipeline transport to Nairobi (via the KPC pipeline), and last-mile distribution all add to the final pump price.
EPRA confirmed that without government subsidies, diesel and petrol prices in Nairobi would be even higher. The subsidy cap is currently absorbing part of the global price shock — but this comes at a fiscal cost to Kenya’s budget.
Nairobi matatu operators on routes like CBD–Rongai, CBD–Ngong, Thika Road, and Mombasa Road are already struggling. With diesel up by KSh 46, expect:
Transport costs drive food inflation. Expect higher prices at Marikiti Market, City Market, and Mama Mboga stalls across Nairobi estates like Eastleigh, Kawangware, and Kibra.
Developers building apartments in Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Syokimau, and Ruaka face higher costs for diesel-powered excavators and generators. Project timelines may stretch as margins tighten.
While kerosene prices remain unchanged at KSh 152.78, the ripple effect of diesel inflation will hit every Nairobi household through higher electricity backup costs, transport fares, and food prices.
This fuel crisis is a wake-up call. Here’s how to adapt:
| Month | Diesel (KSh/L) | Petrol (KSh/L) | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | ~185 | ~175 | Relative stability |
| Feb 2026 | ~190 | ~180 | Shilling weakens |
| Mar 2026 | ~196 | ~197 | Global supply fears |
| Apr 2026 | ~210 | ~205 | Middle East tensions rise |
| May 2026 | 242.92 | 214.25 | Record high |
As of May 2026, EPRA-set diesel prices in Nairobi are KSh 242.92 per litre — a record high.
Global crude volatility, US–Middle East geopolitical tensions, a weaker Kenyan Shilling, and high import costs are the primary drivers.
EPRA reviews fuel prices monthly. The current prices are valid until June 14, 2026. The next review is expected in mid-June.
Yes. The government is partially subsidising fuel to prevent prices from crossing KSh 250+ per litre. However, this places pressure on the national budget.
Drive fuel-efficient cars, maintain your engine, use route optimisation, carpool, and consider hybrid or electric vehicles for city driving.
Yes. With diesel up by KSh 46 per litre, matatu SACCOs are likely to petition for higher fares on major Nairobi routes.
If you live in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or Nakuru, this EPRA fuel price hike is more than a headline — it’s a direct hit on your transport budget, food costs, and business operations.
Diesel at KSh 242.92 signals that Kenya remains exposed to global oil shocks. Until the Kenyan shilling stabilises, global tensions ease, or local refining capacity expands (via the proposed Mombasa refinery upgrade), expect volatile fuel prices through 2026.
The smart move? Adapt now. Optimise your vehicle choice, rethink your logistics strategy, and budget for higher transport costs in Nairobi this quarter.
