Consumers feel sting of fuel hike as govt cites Middle East conflict
As fuel prices skyrocketed, public outcry erupted across the country, with the government attributing the increase to continued geopolitical tensions that have disrupted global energy markets.
In a bid to calm growing anxiety among citizens, the government moved swiftly to defend the price hikes. However, pressure from leaders and the public continued to mount, with many demanding accountability from President William Ruto and his administration.
United Green Movement (UGM) 2027 presidential flag bearer David Maraga criticised President Ruto, saying the increase in fuel prices was the result of poor leadership and corruption.
The rising fuel costs have also piled pressure on the agriculture and transport sectors, driving up production costs amid declining producer prices and further straining the local economy.
Additionally, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) expressed concern over the latest fuel price increase.
“The sharp rise in diesel is particularly concerning because diesel is the backbone of transport, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, construction and general trade. Any increase in diesel prices quickly feeds into the cost of moving goods, producing essential commodities and delivering services across the economy,” said KNCCI President Dr Erick Rutto.
On Friday, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum defended the fuel hike, saying the latest review of petroleum prices was undertaken against the backdrop of sustained volatility in the global oil market due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said that, as a net importer of petroleum products, Kenya — like many other economies — remains exposed to external market dynamics.
However, speaking to the media at Dan’s Hotel in Kisii town on Friday, Mr Maraga said Kenyans were suffering because of the high cost of living and poor governance.
“The country is bleeding; the country is suffering. I have travelled across the nation, in 43 counties now, and the clarion plea from the people is that when I am elected president, I must deal with corruption firmly because that is what has created all the mess we are in,” the former Chief Justice said.
Mr Maraga added: “We have seen how the price of fuel has gone up. We know there is a crisis in the Middle East. However, it would not hit us as hard as it has if we were diligent in the use of our resources.”
“In the last increase, fuel was cheaper in Rwanda by Sh30 than it is in Kenya, even though fuel passes through Kenya to Rwanda. I don’t understand the current increase. This is the kind of leadership I want to bring to this country: zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
The presidential hopeful attended a breakfast meeting organised by the Law Society of Kenya South West Kenya Branch with lawyers from Kisii, Nyamira, Migori and Homa Bay counties.
Fuel prices in Kenya have hit record highs for the May–June 2026 cycle, with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announcing significant hikes effective midnight on May 14, 2026. Super petrol rose by Sh16.65 to Sh214.25 per litre, while diesel increased by Sh46.29 to Sh242.92 per litre.
According to the Energy Ministry, the average landed cost of imported super petrol increased from USD 823.27 per cubic metre in March 2026 to USD 906.23 per cubic metre in April 2026, representing a 10 per cent rise.
Diesel prices increased by 20.32 per cent, from USD 1,073.82 per cubic metre to USD 1,291.98 per cubic metre over the same period, while kerosene rose marginally by 1.59 per cent, from USD 1,311.93 per cubic metre to USD 1,332.73 per cubic metre.
“Consequently, the prices of super petrol and diesel have been adjusted in line with prevailing global market conditions, exchange rate pressures and increased supply chain costs,” said the CS.
However, he noted that to cushion vulnerable households that rely on kerosene for domestic use, the government had maintained kerosene prices at current levels through targeted support measures.
In the North Rift region, the country’s food basket has also been hit hard as farmers grapple with rising operational costs, forcing some to consider reducing acreage under crop production — a move that could threaten the country’s food security.
“Cultivation of crops like maize and wheat is a mechanised process, and increased fuel prices will push up the overall operating costs of farm equipment against already thin profit margins,” said Mathew Kosgei from Sergoit in Uasin Gishu County.
Farmers interviewed said the higher fuel prices would negatively affect land preparation, planting, weeding and harvesting, making agriculture increasingly unprofitable.
“Diesel is the backbone of crop production, and the government needs to regulate prices to protect farmers from high operational costs such as maintaining farm machinery and equipment. The increased fuel prices will also raise the cost of animal husbandry, feeds and acaricides,” said Miriam Too from Cherang’any in Trans-Nzoia County.
CS Wandayi said that, to mitigate the impact of rising global petroleum prices on consumers and the wider economy, the government had utilised the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) stabilisation mechanism to cushion diesel and kerosene prices during the current review period.
Approximately Sh5 billion has been applied to moderate the extent of price increases while ensuring stability within the petroleum supply chain.
The government has also implemented policy measures, including reducing VAT on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent.
Additionally, the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel importation framework has helped shield the country from escalating global petroleum cargo freight charges and premiums.
Currently, global spot freight and premium rates for petroleum cargoes have more than doubled, exposing countries reliant on spot purchases to steep increases in landed costs.
Insurance premiums have also risen significantly due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, further compounding petroleum import costs.
Supply and demand imbalances across global markets continue to fuel price volatility and limit cargo availability.
Kenya continues to benefit from fixed freight and premium costs for refined petroleum imports secured under the G-to-G arrangement, the CS said.
The Ministry assured Kenyans that the country currently has adequate petroleum stocks and that the government continues to closely monitor developments in the international oil market.
It also said it is engaging stakeholders in the energy, transport, manufacturing and business sectors to identify practical and sustainable measures aimed at minimising the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers.
“We should all remain vigilant against possible profit-driven exploitative practices during this period of uncertainty, ensuring that consumers are not placed at any further disadvantage,” said Mr Wandayi.
While no country is completely insulated from the effects of global geopolitical and energy market disruptions, the CS said the government remains committed to ensuring a stable and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country while taking targeted measures to cushion consumers from excessive price shocks.
“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering reliable, accessible and affordable energy in support of economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods for all Kenyans,” he said.
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