If you’ve been dreading your next fuel stop, here’s some good news. Diesel prices in Kenya will drop by KSh10 per litre starting June 15, with Nairobi motorists now paying Ksh222.86 per litre. It’s a welcome break after months of painful hikes at the pump.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced the new prices on Sunday, and they’ll stay in place through July 14, 2026. Super petrol gets a smaller cut too, easing slightly to Ksh214.03 per litre in Nairobi, down Ksh0.22. Kerosene holds steady at Ksh191.38 per litre.
Nairobi Fuel Prices: This Cycle vs. Last Cycle
| Fuel Type | May 15 – June 14 | June 15 – July 14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Petrol | Ksh214.25 | Ksh214.03 | Down Ksh0.22 |
| Diesel | Ksh232.86 | Ksh222.86 | Down Ksh10.00 |
| Kerosene | Ksh191.38 | Ksh191.38 | No change |
Worth noting: this is actually the second diesel cut in just over a month. EPRA had already trimmed diesel by KSh10.06 in mid-May, following the public uproar over April’s increases. This new cut builds on that earlier relief rather than starting from scratch.
Why Prices Are Falling This Time
The biggest driver behind this relief is government intervention. The diesel cut follows the government’s decision to draw roughly Ksh10 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund to stabilize prices and shield consumers from rising global oil costs. Without that support, drivers would likely be feeling a very different pinch right now.
Global oil markets also played a part. In the days before EPRA’s review, US crude fell 3.7% to around $87.89 a barrel, while Brent crude eased 3.19% to about $91.24. That dip came after a period of easing Middle East tensions over the prior two months, although a fresh escalation hit on June 9, a reminder of just how quickly these numbers can swing.
What This Means for You
A KSh10 cut might sound small, but it adds up depending on how you use diesel. Here’s the practical impact across a few groups:
Matatu and bus commuters: Fares often track diesel prices closely. After the matatu strike that followed April’s record-high prices, this cut could help keep fares from climbing further, though don’t expect an immediate drop in what you pay at the stage.
Boda boda riders and motorists: A 50-litre tank of diesel now costs around Ksh11,143, down from roughly Ksh11,643 last cycle. That’s about Ksh500 back in your pocket per full tank.
Farmers: Diesel powers tractors, irrigation pumps, and the trucks that move produce to market. Lower diesel costs translate into slightly cheaper farm operations and transport, which can ease pressure on food prices down the line.
Small business owners: If your business relies on generators, delivery vans, or logistics, this cut trims your monthly fuel bill a little. It’s not dramatic, but every shilling saved on overhead counts.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
This relief comes on the heels of a turbulent few months. Just weeks earlier, EPRA had raised diesel prices by KSh46.29 per litre and petrol by KSh16.65, sparking outrage among transport operators and the public. Those increases even triggered a public transport strike before EPRA stepped in with an earlier KSh10 correction in mid-May.
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The shilling’s performance against the dollar matters here too, since Kenya imports all its refined petroleum products and is exposed to currency swings. The shilling traded at an average of KSh129.82 to the dollar in May, with the Central Bank forecasting continued stability in the near term, which gives some hope that prices won’t swing wildly again soon.
Will Diesel Prices Keep Falling?
It’s hard to say for certain. Global oil prices remain volatile, and tensions in the Middle East have flared up and cooled down repeatedly over the past year, each time sending ripples through Kenya’s fuel costs.
What’s clear is that the government’s willingness to dip into the Petroleum Development Levy Fund has become a key tool for cushioning consumers. Whether that continues will depend on both international markets and how much pressure the Treasury can absorb.
The Bottom Line
For now, Kenyan motorists get a small but meaningful break. Diesel drops KSh10, petrol eases slightly, and kerosene stays put, all backed by a KSh10 billion government subsidy. It’s not a dramatic turnaround, but after the price shocks of recent months, most drivers will take the win.
Keep an eye on the EPRA website for the next pricing review, expected mid-July 2026.