Kenyan motorists will pay more to fuel their vehicles following the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which has increased petrol, diesel and kerosene prices for the October–November period.
In Nairobi, a litre of Super Petrol now costs a maximum of KSh226.96, an increase of KSh12.93. Diesel has risen by KSh9.90 to KSh227.76 per litre, while kerosene has recorded the steepest increase, climbing by KSh28.49 to KSh219.87. The new prices took effect on October 15 and will remain in place until November 14.
For motorists, the increase means that even routine driving will become more expensive. Filling a 50-litre petrol tank now costs approximately KSh11,348, compared with KSh10,702 under the previous Nairobi price. That is an additional KSh646 for a full tank. For diesel vehicle owners, filling the same capacity now costs about KSh11,388.
The increase also has implications beyond private motorists. Higher diesel prices can raise operating costs for matatus, trucks and other commercial vehicles, putting pressure on transport and delivery expenses. Whether these increases translate into higher fares or prices for goods will depend on operators’ costs and how they respond.
EPRA attributed the latest review to rising international costs of imported petroleum products. Its data show that the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol increased by 11.81% between August and September, while diesel rose by 11.32%. Kenya relies on imported refined petroleum products, leaving domestic pump prices exposed to movements in international markets and exchange rates.
For drivers, the immediate response is to make every litre count. Keeping tyres correctly inflated, servicing the engine on schedule, avoiding unnecessary idling and accelerating smoothly can help reduce fuel consumption. These measures will not eliminate the price increase, but they can help limit its impact on the monthly motoring budget.
With petrol now approaching KSh227 per litre in Nairobi, fuel economy remains an important consideration when buying a car. However, buyers should look beyond engine size alone: a vehicle’s condition, maintenance requirements and suitability for daily driving all influence its actual running costs.
