Motorists across Kenya will continue paying the same maximum prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) left fuel prices unchanged for the September-October pricing cycle.
The rates took effect on September 15 and will remain in force until October 14, 2026. In Nairobi, a litre of Super Petrol costs a maximum of KSh214.03, diesel KSh217.86 and kerosene KSh191.38.
But fuel does not cost the same across Kenya. The difference can be significant depending on where a motorist buys fuel.
Where is fuel cheapest?
Mombasa continues to record some of the lowest maximum prices because it is the country’s main petroleum importation point.
Motorists in Mombasa will pay a maximum of KSh210.87 per litre for Super Petrol, KSh214.58 for diesel and KSh188.09 for kerosene.
At the other end of the scale, Mandera has some of the highest prices, with Super Petrol capped at KSh234.68, diesel at KSh240.04 and kerosene at KSh213.56.
EPRA’s published price data also shows the same geographical pattern across other towns.
| Town | Super Petrol | Diesel | Kerosene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa | KSh210.87 | KSh214.58 | KSh188.09 |
| Nakuru | KSh212.92 | KSh217.27 | KSh190.81 |
| Thika | KSh213.70 | KSh217.50 | KSh191.02 |
| Eldoret | KSh213.69 | KSh218.09 | KSh191.63 |
| Kisumu | KSh213.69 | KSh218.08 | KSh191.63 |
| Kakamega | KSh213.43 | KSh217.80 | KSh191.35 |
| Nairobi | KSh214.03 | KSh217.86 | KSh191.38 |
| Machakos | KSh214.07 | KSh217.91 | KSh191.41 |
| Murang’a | KSh214.53 | KSh218.39 | KSh191.91 |
| Kisii | KSh214.77 | KSh219.24 | KSh192.78 |
| Kericho | KSh214.16 | KSh218.60 | KSh192.14 |
| Nyeri | KSh215.90 | KSh219.87 | KSh193.38 |
| Meru | KSh218.67 | KSh222.85 | KSh196.35 |
| Garissa | KSh220.40 | KSh224.70 | KSh198.21 |
| Wajir | KSh228.60 | KSh233.51 | KSh207.03 |
| Mandera | KSh234.68 | KSh240.04 | KSh213.56 |
Why does fuel cost more in some towns?
The main reason is transportation.
Kenya imports refined petroleum products, which enter the country mainly through the Coast before being transported to inland markets. The farther a town is from the importation point, the greater the transportation component reflected in the maximum pump price.
This explains the gap between Mombasa and northern towns such as Wajir and Mandera.
For example, Super Petrol in Mandera is KSh23.81 more expensive per litre than in Mombasa. The difference for diesel is KSh25.46 per litre.
Why did EPRA leave prices unchanged?
EPRA reviews maximum retail petroleum prices every month under the country’s petroleum pricing framework.
The regulator considers factors including the cost of imported petroleum products, the exchange rate and applicable taxes and charges. The announced maximum prices include VAT.
Although the latest review recorded significant movements in landed fuel costs, EPRA retained the existing maximum pump prices for all three products.
For motorists, this means there will be no additional increase at the pump during the current 30-day pricing cycle.
What motorists should know
The EPRA figures are maximum retail prices, meaning dealers should not charge above the applicable regulated ceiling.
However, motorists should check the prevailing price at individual stations, particularly when comparing fuel costs between towns.
The current prices will remain in force until October 14, after which EPRA will announce a new monthly review based on movements in international oil prices, import costs, the exchange rate and other components of the pricing formula.
For now, motorists have at least one month of price stability, although fuel costs will continue to influence transport, production and the cost of moving goods across the country.
