The current fuel prices in Kenya apply from 15 August to 14 September 2026. According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the maximum pump price in Nairobi is KSh214.03 per litre for super petrol, KSh217.86 for diesel and KSh191.38 for kerosene.
Diesel decreased by KSh5 per litre during the latest review, while petrol and kerosene prices remained unchanged. These prices directly affect private motorists, matatu operators, truck owners, farmers, construction companies and businesses transporting goods across Kenya.
EPRA data shows that Nairobi petrol increased from KSh180.66 per litre in November 2024 to KSh214.03 in August 2026. This represents an increase of KSh33.37 per litre, or approximately 18.5%.
| City | Super petrol | Diesel | Kerosene |
| Mombasa | KSh210.87 | KSh214.58 | KSh188.09 |
| Nairobi | KSh214.03 | KSh217.86 | KSh191.38 |
| Nakuru | KSh212.92 | KSh217.27 | KSh190.81 |
| Eldoret | KSh213.69 | KSh218.09 | KSh191.63 |
| Kisumu | KSh213.69 | KSh218.08 | KSh191.63 |
What Do PMS, AGO and IK Mean?
EPRA often presents its fuel-price index using technical abbreviations:
- PMS means Premium Motor Spirit, commonly called super petrol.
- AGO means Automotive Gas Oil, commonly called diesel.
- IK means Illuminating Kerosene.
Super petrol is mainly used by private cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles. Diesel powers most trucks, buses, pickups, agricultural machinery, generators and heavy construction equipment. Kerosene is commonly used for cooking, lighting and certain industrial applications.
Did EPRA Reduce Fuel Prices?
During the August–September 2026 review, EPRA reduced the maximum price of diesel by KSh5 per litre. In Nairobi, diesel fell from KSh222.86 to KSh217.86 per litre, representing a reduction of approximately 2.24%.
Super petrol remained at KSh214.03 per litre in Nairobi, while kerosene remained at KSh191.38. EPRA reported that government stabilisation measures were used to keep petrol and kerosene prices unchanged.
The square symbol and 0.00% appearing beside a price mean it did not change from the previous cycle. A downward arrow indicates a price reduction.
Why Are Fuel Prices Different Across Kenyan Towns?
Fuel prices vary because moving petroleum from import and storage facilities to different parts of Kenya involves pipeline, depot and road-transport costs.
Mombasa normally records lower prices because petroleum products enter Kenya through the Port of Mombasa. Prices generally rise as fuel moves inland or to remote towns where additional transportation and distribution costs apply.
However, distance is not the only factor. EPRA’s pricing schedule considers designated supply points, storage facilities and approved transport-cost differentials. This explains why one inland town may occasionally have a slightly lower price than another town that appears closer to Mombasa.
How Fuel Prices Affect Transport Costs
Diesel is one of the largest operating expenses for trucking and logistics companies. Even a small change per litre can significantly affect the cost of transporting cargo.
Suppose a truck covers a 900-kilometre journey and consumes one litre of diesel for every three kilometres. It would require approximately 300 litres.
At Nairobi’s diesel price of KSh217.86 per litre:
300 litres × KSh217.86 = KSh65,358
This figure covers fuel only. The transporter must still account for the return journey, driver allowance, tyres, maintenance, insurance, tolls, loading delays and profit.
A KSh5 reduction saves approximately KSh1,500 on 300 litres. For a fleet making numerous trips every month, that reduction can produce meaningful savings.
Why Is Diesel More Expensive Than Petrol?
Many Kenyan motorists expect diesel to be cheaper than petrol because it is widely used in commercial transport. However, local pump prices also respond to the international cost of imported refined petroleum products, taxes, exchange rates, shipping expenses and government price-stabilisation measures.
The landed cost of diesel can rise above that of petrol during periods of tight international supply or increased global demand. Therefore, diesel is not guaranteed to remain cheaper than super petrol during every EPRA pricing cycle.
Are Petrol Stations Allowed to Charge More?
The figures published by EPRA are maximum retail pump prices. Filling stations may sell fuel below the listed ceiling, but they should not charge consumers more than the maximum price applicable to their location.
Motorists should check the price displayed at the entrance and on the pump before fuelling. Request a receipt, especially when purchasing large quantities for a truck fleet, generator, construction project or agricultural operation.
Suspected overcharging, fuel adulteration or inaccurate pump measurements should be reported to EPRA through its official consumer-protection channels.
When Does EPRA Announce New Fuel Prices?
EPRA normally publishes new maximum pump prices on or around the 14th of every month. The revised prices take effect on the 15th and generally remain valid until the 14th of the following month.
The next review is therefore expected before the current pricing cycle expires on 14 September 2026.
Fuel prices may increase, decrease or remain unchanged depending on imported-product costs, the Kenya shilling exchange rate, taxes, transport margins and any government stabilisation support.