Kenya raises petrol prices by 6% as Middle East conflict lifts import costs
Diesel is up 4.5% and kerosene also costs more. Matatu operators warn fares will follow.
Taiwo Banjoko
Nairobi — Kenya has raised the maximum pump price of petrol by 6% and of diesel by 4.5%, Africanews reports. Kerosene, used for cooking, lighting and some power generation, also went up.
Kenya gets nearly all its fuel from the Middle East, where attacks on energy infrastructure have cut production and threats to shipping have disrupted deliveries.
- The energy regulator said the government has extended a cut in value-added tax on fuel, from 16% to 8%, until 14 January.
- Transport operators warned that the increase will be passed on to passengers and customers; matatu operators have announced fare rises, Capital FM reports.
- Diesel is used widely in freight, farming, construction and backup generators, so the rise will be felt by businesses as well as households.
Kenyans protested against a similar increase in May.
Sources: Africanews, 15 October 2026; Capital FM via AllAfrica.
