"Milking cow": Kenyans react after EPRA issues fuel prices update

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- EPRA reduced the price of diesel by KSh 5 per litre while leaving petrol and kerosene costs unchanged

- Some Kenyans welcomed the diesel cut, saying it could ease transport costs for PSV commuters

- Others questioned why the government spent KSh 938 million to stabilise petrol and kerosene yet prices did not drop

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a reduction in the pump price of diesel by KSh 5 per litre, while leaving the cost of super petrol and kerosene unchanged in its latest monthly fuel pricing review.

Following the adjustment, super petrol, diesel, and kerosene will retail at KSh 214.03, KSh 217.86, and KSh 191.38 per litre respectively in Nairobi.

How did Kenyans react?

The announcement drew a mixed response on social media.

A section of Kenyans welcomed the diesel reduction, arguing that it could translate into lower transport fares for commuters, given that most public service vehicles (PSVs) run on diesel.

However, a separate group of Kenyans directed sharp criticism at the government and EPRA, questioning the rationale behind the decision to hold petrol and kerosene prices steady.

Their frustration centred on the revelation that the government had spent KSh 938 million to stabilise petrol and kerosene costs, yet consumers saw no reduction at the pump.

Critics argued that channelling hundreds of millions of shillings towards price stabilisation, only for retail prices to remain the same, raises serious questions about how public funds are being used.

Several social media users accused the government and EPRA of treating fuel as a revenue-generating instrument rather than a commodity requiring genuine consumer relief.

The kerosene price is of particular concern to lower-income households, which rely heavily on the fuel for cooking and lighting.

Advocates for this segment of the population had anticipated that the stabilisation funds would result in a noticeable reduction at the pump.

What factors does EPRA consider?

EPRA conducts monthly reviews of fuel prices in Kenya.

The adjustments taking effect at the start of each pricing cycle.

The authority factors in global crude oil prices, the Kenya shilling exchange rate, and local levies when computing the final pump prices across the country.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.