President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government will take measures to cushion them from rising fuel prices amid global market volatility.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mochengo–Ayora–Maroo Road in Kisii County on Wednesday, Ruto acknowledged that the country is facing multiple economic challenges, including pressure from high fuel costs.
“There are many challenges facing the country right now, including fuel prices,” he said.
The President pointed to the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement as a key intervention that has helped stabilise supply and shield Kenya from global shocks.
“We adopted the G-to-G arrangement, which helped stabilise our country at a time when many others were going through very difficult circumstances,” he said.
Ruto noted that ongoing tensions and supply disruptions in the Middle East have driven up global fuel prices, but maintained that Kenya is better positioned to manage the impact.
“Prices have gone up globally, but we have put in place measures to ensure they do not rise too high locally,” he said.
He revealed that the government has set aside Sh6.5 billion for fuel subsidies aimed at stabilising pump prices and cushioning consumers.
“We have allocated Sh6.5 billion for fuel subsidy and reduced VAT to moderate prices,” Ruto said.
The President reassured Kenyans that the government remains committed to ensuring stability and affordability in the energy sector.
“I want to assure Kenyans that the government will do everything possible to contain fuel prices,” he said.
Ruto added that Kenya currently has sufficient fuel stocks, unlike some countries experiencing shortages.
“As we speak, some countries do not have fuel at their pumps, but here in Kenya we have enough,” he said.
He said the G-to-G model has also enhanced Kenya’s competitiveness in the region by ensuring steady supply.
“The arrangement has made Kenya more competitive. There are countries in the region without fuel, but we have ensured stable supply,” he added.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority increased the prices of petrol and diesel for the April to May 2026 cycle.
In its latest fuel review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol and Diesel increases by Sh28.69 per litre and Sh40.30 per litre respectively, while the price of Kerosene remains unchanged.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene now retail at Sh206.97, Sh206.84 and Sh152.78, respectively, effective midnight for the next 30 days.
The regulator disclosed that the calculated maximum retail prices of petroleum products will be in force from April 15 to May 14, 2026.
EPRA announced effectively, the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate on Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene has been reduced from 16 per cent to 13 per cent in order to cushion consumers from the high landed cost of petroleum products as a result of the escalated prices in the international market.
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