In a much-anticipated announcement, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has delivered a slight reprieve to Kenyan consumers, implementing a marginal reduction in the pump prices of Super Petrol and Kerosene. Effective from August 15 to September 14, 2025, this adjustment, though modest, offers a glimmer of relief amidst ongoing economic pressures. Diesel prices, however, remain unchanged in this latest review.
The New Figures: A Look at the Pump Prices
According to the new price schedule released by EPRA on Thursday, August 14, 2025, a litre of Super Petrol and Kerosene will each see a KSh 1.00 reduction. This brings the new maximum retail prices in Nairobi to:
- Super Petrol: KSh 185.31 per litre (down from KSh 186.31)
- Kerosene: KSh 155.58 per litre (down from KSh 156.58)
- Diesel: Remains unchanged at KSh 171.58 per litre
For residents in other major towns, the new prices are similarly adjusted. For instance, in Mombasa, Super Petrol will retail at KSh 182.03, Diesel at KSh 168.30, and Kerosene at KSh 152.29. Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu also reflect corresponding price changes.
What's Driving the Marginal Drop?
EPRA attributes this slight downward adjustment primarily to a less than one percent reduction in the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol. Specifically, the average landed cost for Super Petrol decreased by 0.73 percent, from US628.30percubicmetreinJune2025toUS623.71 per cubic metre in July 2025.
Conversely, the landed cost for Diesel actually saw an increase of 3.08 percent, and Kerosene an increase of 3.20 percent over the same period. Despite the increase in Kerosene's landed cost, its retail price still dropped, indicating a complex interplay of factors including various taxes and levies that EPRA incorporates into its pricing formula.
The global crude oil prices, particularly Murban crude, also experienced a dip, falling from US73.52perbarrelonJuly31toUS68.25 per barrel by August 7. This general international trend plays a significant role in determining the landed costs of refined petroleum products in Kenya, as the country imports all its fuel.
Context: A Recent History of Volatility
This marginal price drop comes after a period of significant increases. In the previous pricing cycle (July 15 to August 14, 2025), EPRA had announced steep hikes, with Super Petrol increasing by KSh 8.99, Diesel by KSh 8.67, and Kerosene by KSh 9.65 per litre. These previous increases were also attributed to rising landed costs of imported fuel and other market dynamics.
Such fluctuations highlight Kenya's vulnerability to global oil market volatility and the impact of domestic tax policies. EPRA’s mandate is to regulate and cap retail prices to ensure fair competition and protect the interests of both consumers and investors in the energy and petroleum sectors.
Impact on the Average Kenyan
While a KSh 1 reduction might seem small, especially following larger increases, it offers some financial relief, particularly for households relying on kerosene for cooking and lighting, and for motorists using Super Petrol for transport. In an economy where fuel prices directly influence the cost of goods and services, any reduction, no matter how modest, is welcomed by consumers. However, the overall impact on the cost of living remains a concern, given the cumulative effect of recent price adjustments.
EPRA's continuous monitoring and adjustments aim to ensure that petroleum product retail prices remain reflective of the landed costs and other statutory charges. As global oil markets continue to evolve, Kenyans will remain keenly observant of future price reviews and their direct impact on daily expenses.
