Steady at the Pump: Nairobi Petrol Stays at KSh 214 as Diesel Drops

Kenya’s energy regulator has held pump prices unchanged for super petrol and kerosene across the country, keeping fuel costs steady for households and businesses as a new monthly pricing window takes effect.

According to latest figures published by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, super petrol in Nairobi will remain at KSh 214.03 per litre. Kerosene prices in the capital also hold steady at KSh 191.38 per litre, giving temporary relief to transport operators and domestic users who rely on paraffin for lighting and cooking.

However, diesel consumers will see a slight drop at the pump. The regulator reduced diesel prices in Nairobi by 2.24 per cent, bringing the cost down from previous levels to KSh 217.86 per litre.

For ordinary Kenyans, unchanged super petrol prices mean transport fares and private vehicle running costs will stay fixed for the next 30 days.

The reduction in diesel prices is a welcome outcome for agricultural producers, public service vehicle operators and logistics firms, as diesel powers the bulk of Kenya’s heavy commercial transport and industrial machinery.

Lower diesel costs typically help cushion food distribution expenses and manufacturing overheads.

Regional pump adjustments

The regional distribution of fuel costs shows similar price stability across major urban centres, with variations reflecting inland transport costs from the primary import terminal at the port of Mombasa.

In Mombasa, super petrol remains at KSh 210.87 per litre, while kerosene holds at KSh 188.09 per litre. Diesel in the coastal city dropped by 2.28 per cent to KSh 214.58 per litre. In Nakuru, super petrol costs KSh 212.92 per litre, kerosene stands at KSh 190.81 per litre, and diesel fell 2.25 per cent to KSh 217.27 per litre.

Motorists in Eldoret and Kisumu will pay KSh 213.69 per litre for super petrol and KSh 191.63 per litre for kerosene. Diesel in Eldoret dropped 2.24 per cent to KSh 218.09 per litre, while Kisumu diesel prices adjusted to KSh 218.08 per litre, representing a 2.24 per cent reduction as confirmed in data reported by Kenyans.co.ke.

Impact on household budgets

Fuel costs play a central role in shaping Kenya's overall inflation rate. Energy costs feed directly into the Consumer Price Index through electricity tariffs, transport charges and household consumption.

Stabilising petrol and paraffin prices while trimming diesel costs helps cap production expenses for manufacturers. Business owners who rely on heavy generators or fleet delivery vehicles face lower operational overheads over the coming month, easing pressure to pass on logistical costs to retail consumers.

The modest cut in diesel prices comes as market participants watch international crude benchmarks and local currency movements. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority calculates maximum wholesale and retail prices on the 14th day of every month, taking into account landed import costs, demurrages, pipeline transport fees and applicable government taxes and levies.

The current fuel prices will remain in effect until the next monthly review cycle. Market watchers and commercial fleets will monitor global oil prices and foreign exchange performance over the next three weeks to gauge whether the regulator will maintain flat rates or adjust prices in the upcoming pricing cycle.