Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s ((EPRA)) move to increase fuel prices starting July 15 through August 14, 2025 has been met with sharp criticism from a section of Kenyans who are already grappling with rising cost of living.
Political commentator and lawyer, Willis Otieno, has expressed his concerns on EPRA’s move to increase the price of Super Petrol by KShs. 8.99, Diesel by KShs. 8.67, and Kerosene by KShs. 9.65 per litre.
Through his official X account, Otieno claims this announcement places an even greater financial burden on Kenyans, who are already feeling the pinch of increased food prices, electricity tariffs, and transportation costs among other essentials.
“Kenya Kwanza is dead silent,” he wrote on X, blasting the government’s lack of transparency and communication. “Not a single press conference, no explanation, no shame.”
Otieno further argued that the administration follows a predictable pattern of “inflicting pain” on the populace through price hikes, only to reduce prices marginally later on and flood the media with “victories” that benefit their image.
“Give it a month, they’ll reduce the prices by two shillings, then another shilling the next, and flood the media talking about ‘how fuel prices have dropped under this caring administration,'” he said, describing the approach as a form of “psychological manipulation.”
EPRA had announcent the increaese on its official X account as part of its routine monthly fuel prices review.
“In accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022, we have calculated the maximum wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products which will be in force from 15th July 2025 to 14th August 2025,” read part of EPRA’s statement.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene increases by KShs.8.99 KShs.8.67 and KShs.9.65 per litre respectively,” EPRA added.
With fuel now retailing at KShs. 186.31 per litre for Super Petrol, KShs. 171.58 for Diesel, and KShs. 156.58 for Kerosene in Nairobi, Kenya now has the most expensive fuel in East Africa.
This puts the country well ahead of its regional neighbours, with countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia offering more affordable fuel alternatives.
