EPRA Kenya: Fuel Prices Unchanged Despite Import Cost Swings

• The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has kept Kenya's fuel prices unchanged for the next 30 days.
• In Nairobi, Super Petrol will retail at Sh214.03, Diesel at Sh217.86, and Kerosene at Sh191.38 per litre.
• This decision was made despite mixed changes in the average landed costs of imported fuel in August.
• Super Petrol's landed cost fell by 7.87%, while Diesel and Kerosene's landed costs rose by 11.86% and 9.71% respectively.
• All announced Kenya petroleum pump prices include VAT and other applicable taxes.

The stability in these Kenya petrol diesel kerosene prices is set to provide a predictable cost environment for the immediate future.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) in Kenya has announced that petroleum pump prices will remain constant for the upcoming 30-day period. This decision, part of the agency's regular monthly review, means that consumers in Nairobi will continue to pay Sh214.03 for a litre of Super Petrol.

Similarly, the retail price for Diesel in Nairobi has been maintained at Sh217.86 per litre, while Kerosene will continue to sell at Sh191.38 per litre. These figures represent the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices, as confirmed by EPRA, and are inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) along with all other applicable government levies and duties. The stability in these Kenya petrol diesel kerosene prices is set to provide a predictable cost environment for the immediate future.

The regulatory body's determination to keep EPRA Kenya fuel prices unchanged comes despite notable shifts in the average landed costs of imported petroleum products during the preceding month. Data from August indicated a varied performance across different fuel types, which typically influence the pricing structure.

Specifically, the average landed cost for Super Petrol experienced a decrease of 7.87 percent. In contrast, the average landed cost for Diesel saw an increase of 11.86 percent, and Kerosene's average landed cost also rose by 9.71 percent. Despite these mixed movements in the underlying import expenses, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Kenya opted to hold the consumer prices steady, reiterating that "The maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene remain unchanged." This approach ensures a consistent pricing environment for the current review cycle.

This decision by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority to maintain the current Kenya petroleum pump prices offers a period of short-term stability for businesses and individuals reliant on fuel across the country. The consistent Nairobi fuel price review provides a predictable operating cost for sectors such as transport, manufacturing, and agriculture, which are heavily influenced by energy expenses. For the next month, stakeholders can budget and plan without immediate concerns of fluctuating fuel costs, a factor that often impacts operational efficiency and financial forecasting.

The choice to keep EPRA Kenya fuel prices unchanged, despite the mixed movements in international landed costs, highlights a regulatory intervention aimed at fostering economic predictability. While the average cost of imported Super Petrol decreased, the increases observed for Diesel and Kerosene could have otherwise led to upward adjustments for these crucial commodities. The EPRA monthly fuel review process, which led to this outcome, underscores the authority's role in balancing market dynamics with consumer and economic stability, even when faced with volatile international commodity prices. This stability, though temporary, is a significant consideration for economic planning and operational continuity.

This decision provides short-term stability in operational costs for businesses reliant on fuel in Kenya, requiring compliance officers to monitor EPRA's monthly reviews for budgeting and financial forecasting, particularly for contracts with fuel price escalation clauses.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM