The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Fuel pump prices will remain unchanged for the December–January pricing cycle, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced, offering some relief to consumers during the Christmas and New Year period.
In its latest review, EPRA said a litre of petrol will continue selling at Sh184.52 in Nairobi until January 14, when the next price adjustment will be made. This is despite a 4.25 per cent drop in the landed cost of petrol, which fell from $619.14 per cubic metre in October to $592.84.
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Diesel will continue retailing at Sh171.47 per litre, while kerosene will sell at Sh154.78. In Mombasa, which records the lowest fuel prices due to its proximity to the port, petrol, diesel and kerosene will sell at Sh181.24, Sh168.19 and Sh151.49 per litre, respectively.
EPRA noted that diesel and kerosene prices were maintained even though their landed costs rose to $654.24 and $667.05 per cubic metre, respectively.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices remain unchanged,” EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo said, adding that the prices include the 16 per cent Value Added Tax in line with existing tax laws.
Fuel prices remain higher compared to December last year, when petrol retailed at Sh176.29 per litre in Nairobi, diesel at Sh165.06 and kerosene at Sh148.39. Prices slightly declined in September this year before stabilising in October and November.
Consumers continue to pay multiple taxes at the pump, with levies such as the Road Maintenance Levy, VAT and excise duty forming the largest share. The government currently collects Sh81.88 from every litre of petrol sold, Sh69.86 from diesel and Sh55.67 from kerosene.
EPRA noted that distribution costs, storage charges and oil marketing company margins also contribute to the final pump prices. Fuel costs remain a key driver of the economy, with any increase likely to affect transport fares and inflation levels.
