Ghana: COMAC Board Chairman Urges Star Oil And GOIL PLC CEOs To End Social Media Banter
The Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Mr Gabriel Kumi, has appealed to the chief executives of Star Oil Ghana and GOIL PLC to end their social media banter over the fuel price floor policy, warning that it could create acrimony among industry players.
Mr Kumi, who is also the Managing Director of Trinity Oil, noted that Star Oil Ghana and GOIL PLC are major players in the industry; therefore, continued public exchanges on social media could negatively affect both the industry and consumers.
“Star Oil and GOIL put together control about 30 percent of the market. Any disharmony between them can negatively impact the industry and consumers,” Mr Kumi told this portal.
His appeal follows recent comments by the Chief Executive Officer of Star Oil Ghana, Mr Philip Tieku, calling for the removal of the Fuel Price Floor Policy introduced by the regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), a few years ago after stakeholder engagement.
The policy was introduced to curb destructive price undercutting that could compromise fuel quality and harm consumers in the long run.
The social media exchanges between the CEO of Star Oil Ghana and the Group CEO of GOIL PLC, Mr Edward Abambire Bawa, began after GOIL PLC on Friday morning reduced pump prices for both petrol and diesel. Petrol prices dropped from GH¢10.99 per litre to GH¢9.99 per litre, while diesel prices were reduced from GH¢11.21 per litre.
Later the same morning, Star Oil Ghana also reduced its pump prices, with petrol dropping from GH¢10.56 per litre to GH¢9.97 per litre, and diesel declining from GH¢11.56 per litre to GH¢10.97 per litre.
Mr Tieku, in an interview on JoyNews Channel, called on the regulator to remove the fuel price floor and later took to Facebook to suggest that Star Oil could reduce fuel prices further.
“Imagine Star Oil pricing petrol at GH¢9.50 per litre after 10pm each night until 4am to support the nighttime economy when demand is lower… but that will be below the NPA floor price,” Mr Tieku wrote on Facebook.
This prompted a response from the Group CEO of GOIL PLC, Mr Edward Abambire Bawa, who also took to Facebook to reply to Mr Tieku’s comments.
“Some industry players are claiming that they can reduce prices further, yet in reality they cannot even compete at the approved floor price of GHS 9.80 for PMS in this pricing window.
“These are the NPA-approved floor prices. If, as an OMC, you are calling for the opportunity to reduce prices further, it is reasonable to ask why you have not first reduced your PMS price to at least the floor of GHS 9.80, instead of selling at GHS 9.97.
“Calling for deeper price reductions while pricing above the regulated floor undermines the credibility of that claim,” he wrote.
The comments by the two market leaders have since triggered widespread discussion on social media.
Mr Gabriel Kumi told this portal that both the CEOs of Star Oil Ghana and GOIL PLC are members of the COMAC board, adding that an emergency board meeting has been scheduled for Thursday to address the concerns.
He noted that the board would subsequently meet with the regulator, the NPA.
Mr Kumi said he believes in competition but emphasized that it must be fair competition.
He assured that the chamber would ensure the issues between the two companies are resolved to restore harmony within the industry.
“We shall arrive at a clear solution, and we shall continue to live in peace and harmony so we can grow the industry together,” he said.
Russia Develops New Inverter Prototype For Solar Power Plants
Russia’s Parus Electro LLC, a subsidiary of the Rosatom Group, has developed a prototype of the country’s first Russian-made string inverter for solar power plants.
A string inverter is a device that converts the direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current for safe and efficient transmission through power grids to consumers.
The technology enhances energy generation stability during winter or cloudy conditions and increases the total number of generation hours throughout the day.
The newly developed inverter can operate across a wide temperature range, from –50°C to +65°C, and is capable of ensuring stable voltage even in remote areas. It is suitable for both large-scale, ground-mounted industrial solar plants and small rooftop solar installations.
The device supports adaptive reactive power management tailored to the requirements of specific grid operators and allows for integration with energy storage systems.
One of its key distinctions is its modular architecture, which enables the replacement of the power supply module without dismantling the entire system.
This design significantly reduces maintenance and repair time from several hours to just a few minutes, while also minimising energy generation losses.
The inverter has an efficiency rate of 98.3 percent and can operate with storage devices in grid-connected or hybrid modes, while withstanding diverse climatic conditions.
With more than 90 percent of its components sourced locally, Parus Electro plans to deploy production at its own facilities, with serial production expected to begin in 2026.
Russian companies continue to deliver development projects and pioneer innovative solutions for international partners. Notably, a reactor vessel produced by Rosatom has been installed at Unit 1 of the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt.
In addition, groundwork is underway for the construction of a 200-megawatt solar power plant in Mali with Rosatom’s support.
Furthermore, the first of four Russian test stands has already arrived at the construction site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in southern France.
GLOBELEQ Appoints Alasdair Martin As Director Of Private Customer Solutions
Globeleq, a leading independent power company in Africa, has appointed Alasdair Martin as Director of Private Customer Solutions, a role central to the company’s growth strategy focused on innovation and sustainable transformation in Southern Africa.
In his new role, Alasdair will lead the origination, structuring, and execution of private power partnerships and bespoke energy solutions for energy-intensive customers.
The position is pivotal to expanding Globeleq’s footprint in the commercial energy market by identifying and securing long-term partnerships with private offtakers, enabling them to access reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power.
With nearly two decades of experience at Anglo American, Alasdair has led several major initiatives, including a US$3 billion carbon and innovation portfolio, the development of renewable energy ecosystems, and serving on the leadership team that established Envusa Energy. The joint venture with EDF Renewables has played a significant role in the liberalisation of Southern Africa’s energy landscape.
Most recently, he led the redesign of Anglo American’s operating model, delivering transformational value and embedding cultural change across its global operations. His track record includes driving carbon-neutral strategies, securing investment for large-scale renewable projects, and pioneering digital and AI tools to improve operational efficiency.
Globeleq’s Chief Development Officer, John Smelcer, said: “Southern Africa’s energy sector is evolving rapidly, creating opportunities for innovative partnerships. Alasdair’s combination of technical depth, commercial insight, and sustainability vision will help us deliver tailored solutions to meet the needs of industrial and commercial customers while supporting the region’s energy transition.”
Alasdair Martin added: “I am excited to join Globeleq as it expands its role in shaping Southern Africa’s energy future. This is an opportunity to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions that accelerate the shift to cleaner power and create lasting value for businesses and communities. Globeleq’s commitment to sustainability and partnership resonates strongly with my passion for building resilient energy ecosystems that drive growth and positive impact.”
Ghana: NPA Rejects Proposal To Remove Fuel Price Floor Policy; COMAC, IES Back Retention Of Policy
Ghana’s downstream petroleum regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has rejected calls for the removal of the Fuel Price Floor Policy , introduced a few years ago, insisting that the policy remains necessary due to persistent unfair pricing practices in the downstream petroleum sector.
According to the regulator, the market conditions that necessitated the introduction of the price floor have not changed.
It argues that pricing distortions continue to threaten industry stability.
The Director of Economic Regulation and Planning at the NPA, Abass Tasunti, revealed the Authority’s position in an interview with Accra-based JoyNews Channel.
He said the regulator remains cautious about any decision that could destabilise the sector, noting that the NPA is mindful of the industry it regulates and does not intend to take steps that could plunge it into crisis.
Mr Tasunti also stressed that the petroleum industry is closely linked to the financial sector, making it critical for regulators to tread carefully when implementing or removing policies.
“Looking at the current developments in the market, the National Petroleum Authority has no plans to remove this policy,” he stated.
The NPA’s position follows calls by the Chief Executive Officer of Star Oil Ghana, Kwame Tieku, and some civil society groups for the removal of the fuel price floor.
Star Oil CEO, Philip Kwame Tieku, has argued that scrapping the policy would allow fuel prices to fall further, given current market conditions.
He maintains that consumers are being denied the opportunity to enjoy lower fuel prices at the pumps because of the policy.
Currently, petrol is sold between GH¢9.99 per litre and GH¢11.68 per litre, while diesel sells between GH¢10.68 per litre and GH¢11.98 per litre.
Supporting the regulator’s decision to maintain the fuel price floor, the Industry Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), Dr Riverson Oppong, explained that the decision to introduce the fuel price floor was not taken in isolation by the regulator, but followed consultations with industry players.
The aim, he said, was to curb destructive price undercutting that could compromise fuel quality and harm consumers in the long run.
Ghana currently has more than 200 oil marketing companies operating in the downstream sector, creating intense competition that can sometimes become unhealthy.
“Competition for survival becomes a problem when companies begin selling products at any price just to stay in business,” he explained on Accra-based JoyNews Channel.
“We have seen periods in this country where some players sold fuel at arbitrary prices simply to survive.
“As a consumer, would you be happy if someone brings a product below the acceptable price just to sell, even if the quality is questionable?”
Dr Oppong emphasised that the fuel price floor is not designed around profit margins for oil marketing companies, but rather serves as a minimum benchmark.
“The floor price does not include the margins of oil marketing companies. It is simply the ex-refinery price plus taxes and levies,” he clarified.
“Operational costs and dealer margins are not factored into that floor price.”
He noted that some large oil marketing companies are able to sell fuel at relatively lower prices due to economies of scale and operational efficiency.
“For example, a company like Star Oil, which is one of the leading oil marketing companies in terms of volume, has the capacity to sell at competitive prices because of its volume advantage and operational efficiency,” he said.
“They are able to make up margins through scale.”
Dr Oppong added that no company is currently selling fuel at the floor price itself.
“As of today, no one is selling at the floor price itself. All companies are selling above it,” he stated.
He disclosed that further engagements are underway with the NPA to review the current framework and strike a balance between affordability, quality, and industry sustainability.
“We are starting negotiations and discussions with the NPA this week to come to a better conclusion on the way forward,” he said.
“At the end of the day, we are here for consumers, to ensure both quality and value for money.”
In a statement reacting to calls for the removal of the policy, the Institute for Energy Security (IES) noted that the price floor plays several critical roles, including preventing predatory pricing by dominant firms, protecting smaller and emerging oil marketing companies (OMCs), and ensuring a healthy and competitive market.
The IES said the policy helps to “guarantee supply continuity, particularly during periods of tight margins or market stress,” while also promoting “long-term consumer welfare, rather than short-term price reductions that could lead to market concentration and higher prices in the future.”
Drawing on international examples, the Institute warned that unregulated fuel price wars often end badly for consumers.
“International experiences show that unregulated price wars in fuel markets often lead to monopolisation, supply disruptions, and ultimately higher consumer prices,” it said.
The IES also raised concerns about suggestions that fuel could be sold at lower prices during specific hours, such as overnight.
“The suggestion that an individual OMC could selectively reduce prices during specific hours raises serious regulatory and competition concerns,” the statement said, explaining that fuel retailing does not become cheaper at night.
Angry Peru State Oil Firm Workers Begin Three-Day Strike Over Privatization Plan
Unionised workers of Peru’s state-run oil company, Petroperu, on Monday commenced a three-day industrial strike to protest plans to privatize parts of the firm, although the company insisted operations remained normal and the government declared the walkout unlawful.
According to a report by Reuters, about 30% of the company’s 2,200 unionised workers joined the strike, according to José Luis Saavedra, general secretary of the administrative workers’ union.
“The speed with which the government wants to privatize Petroperu is striking,” Saavedra said, as quoted by Reuters.
In a statement following the declaration of the strike, Petroperu said all its facilities were operating normally and assured the public that the national fuel supply would not be affected.
The company added that Peru’s labour ministry had ruled the strike call “inadmissible,” although the decision is subject to a three-day review.
The labour action follows a plan approved in late December by President José Jeri to overhaul the financially troubled company.
The plan seeks to attract private investment into key assets, and Economy Minister Denisse Miralles said last week that the first management contracts with private firms could be signed as early as June.
Petroperu is burdened with significant debt, having received up to $5.3 billion in government aid between 2022 and 2024 to avert bankruptcy.
Nigeria: Apapa Residents Scoop Diesel From Overturned Tanker Amid Danger
Hundreds of residents of Apapa in Lagos on Monday morning ignored the dangers associated with fuel exposure as they thronged the Liverpool Bridge, inward Mile 2, where a diesel-laden tanker had overturned, to scoop fuel.
In a video circulating on social media, residents were seen collecting diesel from the fallen tanker using various containers. The diesel reportedly spread across the bridge following damage to the tanker.
The incident was swiftly reported to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which dispatched officers to the scene to ensure order and public safety.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) page, LASTMA confirmed that it had been notified of the situation.
The statement read: “There’s a fallen tanker loaded with diesel on top of Liverpool Bridge inward Mile 2.
“The diesel is spreading on the bridge as a result of the damaged tank.
“Men of the Nigeria Police Force from Area B and other safety agencies have been swiftly notified.”
LASTMA further disclosed that traffic had been diverted as a safety precaution and urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations.
“Traffic has been diverted to the other side of the bridge for safety measures.
“Please adhere strictly to all instructions from traffic managers.”
Ghana: Cape Coast And Surrounding Communities To Experience Power Interruption On Tuesday
Central Regional capital, Cape Coast, and surrounding communities will experience a power supply interruption on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) have announced.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, 16 January 2026, the two utilities explained that the interruption is to facilitate the final phase of work associated with the upgrade of a 66MVA power transformer at the Cape Coast Substation.
The transformer upgrade is expected to significantly enhance the substation’s capacity, leading to improved and more reliable power supply for residents and businesses in Cape Coast and surrounding areas, while also improving the overall quality and stability of electricity supply in the region.
According to the statement, all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the final works are completed promptly and power supply is restored within the scheduled time.
The utilities apologised for any inconvenience the temporary power interruption may cause.
“We assure the public of our continued commitment to delivering reliable and improved electricity transmission services,” the statement concluded.
Zambia, Tanzania Agree On Monthly Fuel Offloading At Dar es Salaam Port
Zambia and Tanzania have agreed on a structured operational arrangement that will guarantee the monthly offloading of one fuel vessel at the Port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital.
Under the arrangement, one fuel vessel carrying more than 100,000 metric tonnes of fuel will be berthed and offloaded between the 15th and 25th of each month.
The agreement was announced on Thursday in Dar es Salaam by Tanzania’s Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, and Zambia’s Minister of Energy, Makozo Chikote, following a high-level technical engagement involving permanent secretaries and technical experts from both countries.
The Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) will facilitate the timely berthing and offloading of the vessel, providing certainty in vessel handling schedules and supporting uninterrupted petroleum supply to Zambia.
Addressing the technical teams, the two ministers emphasised the need for strict adherence to the agreed operational decisions, stressing that effective coordination and institutional discipline are critical to sustaining reliable fuel logistics for Zambia.
Mr Ndejembi stated that the measures agreed upon would enhance the security and efficiency of diesel supply logistics to Zambia. He added that additional bilateral energy-related matters were also discussed.
He further underscored the importance of strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two countries by expanding cooperation into other energy sub-sectors, including electricity and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Mr Chikote commended the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for its continued cooperation and facilitation role, noting that the agreement reflects the strong bilateral partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional energy security.
Currently, Zambia transports more than 85 per cent of its diesel requirements under the Petroleum Access Policy Framework through the TAZAMA Oil Pipeline, with fuel offloaded at the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
The agreement builds on the historic TAZAMA Pipeline, jointly owned by Zambia and Tanzania, which has for decades served as a critical petroleum transportation corridor for Zambia.
Ghana: Navy Foils Illegal Fuel Bunkering Operation In Volta Region, Seizes Fuel-Laden Canoes
The Ghana Navy has intercepted seven modified canoes suspected to have been used for illegal fuel bunkering along the Keta–Denu–Aflao coastline in the Volta Region.
The suspects involved in the illicit activities reportedly abandoned the vessels upon spotting a naval patrol ship, leaving the canoes to be seized and towed to the naval base in Tema.
Speaking at a press briefing in Tema, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi, explained that the perpetrators were detected by a Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) on Monday, January 12, 2026, during a routine sea patrol.
According to him, the suspects were using specially built canoes, locally known as “Dendes,” which contained about 378 empty barrels.
These canoes were clearly engineered for fuel smuggling at sea, underscoring their role in illegal bunkering operations.
Upon sighting the naval ship, the suspects fled the scene, abandoning the canoes.
Commodore Asiedu-Larbi commended the naval crew for their professionalism and vigilance, reaffirming the Ghana Navy’s firm commitment to combating illegal fuel bunkering, as well as other maritime threats including unlawful fishing, smuggling, and transnational maritime crimes.
He further disclosed that, under the guidance of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, additional maritime assets are being deployed to enhance surveillance and improve rapid response capabilities in the Eastern Corridor.
The Command Operations Officer of the ENC, Commander James Dzigbordzi Agrah, provided further details on the incident, noting that the specially built canoes were seized and towed to the harbour after the perpetrators fled upon detecting the Navy ship.
Commander Agrah explained that fuel bunkering syndicates typically operate using larger “mother vessels” stationed offshore, which offload stolen fuel onto smaller canoes for onward smuggling to coastal landing sites.
He noted that such activities result in significant revenue losses through tax evasion, contaminate local markets with adulterated fuel, and cause environmental pollution through fuel spills that threaten marine ecosystems and fish stocks.
Commodore Asiedu-Larbi announced enhanced countermeasures, including intensified community sensitisation programmes, the deployment of unmanned aerial systems, and closer collaboration with maritime stakeholders to dismantle these criminal networks.
The Ghana Navy reaffirmed its commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain and urged coastal communities to report suspicious activities to help safeguard national security, marine biodiversity, and the sustainability of Ghana’s blue economy.
Ghana: Energy Minister Petitions IGP To Probe Assault On Energy Ministry Staff By Police Officers
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), demanding a full and impartial investigation into the alleged assault on staff of the Ministry by two police officers last Thursday while they were commuting to work in one of the Ministry’s official buses.
The development was disclosed by Richmond Rockson, Spokesperson and Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
He said the Minister expects the Ghana Police Service to act swiftly and decisively to ensure accountability, justice for the victims, and the restoration of public confidence in the professionalism and discipline of the Service.
“No citizen of this country should ever be subjected to such treatment, particularly at the hands of law enforcement officers who are mandated to protect lives and uphold the rule of law. The alleged justification for this assault—that staff of the Ministry ‘insulted’ the officers over reckless driving—is wholly indefensible and cannot, under any circumstances, warrant violence or abuse of power,” he stated in a Facebook post.
It will be recalled that two unidentified police officers travelling in a Toyota pickup allegedly assaulted staff members on board a Ministry of Energy and Green Transition bus and nearly killed an IT Department staff member at Kasoa Amanfrom along the Mallam–Kasoa Highway.
The incident reportedly occurred after staff on board the bus complained about the reckless driving of the police officers.
According to a source at the Ministry, the bus was travelling from Kasoa to the Ministry when it encountered a police pickup parked dangerously close to the middle of the road, making it difficult for the bus to merge onto the main highway.
After the bus successfully joined the highway, one of the staff members reportedly informed the pickup driver that the vehicle had been improperly parked.
The pickup is said to have followed the Ministry’s bus at high speed and cut across it dangerously. Although the bus driver managed to manoeuvre away, the pickup allegedly crossed the bus a second time.
A video of the incident seen by this portal shows occupants of the pickup, identified as police officers in plain clothes, stepping out of the vehicle and attacking Ministry staff through the windows of the bus.
The officers reportedly forced their way onto the bus, assaulted several staff members, and dragged Prince, an IT officer at the Ministry of Energy, off the bus.
He was allegedly beaten, forced into the pickup, and driven away.
The officers are also said to have seized his mobile phone to prevent him from communicating with colleagues or Ministry officials.
He was allegedly taken to the police headquarters, where he was detained for some time, before being transferred to the police hospital for medical treatment.
It took the intervention of the Ministry to secure his release.
Ghana: Police Officers Assault Energy Ministry Staff On Board Bus
Two unidentified police officers travelling in a Toyota pickup on Thursday allegedly attacked a Ministry of Energy and Green Transition staff bus and assaulted several staff members on board, nearly killing an IT Department staff member at Kasoa Amanfrom along the Mallam–Kasoa Highway.
The incident reportedly occurred after staff on board the bus complained about the reckless driving of the police officers.
According to a source at the Ministry, the bus was travelling from Kasoa to the Ministry when it encountered a police pickup parked dangerously close to the middle of the road, making it difficult for the bus to merge onto the main highway.
After the bus successfully joined the highway, one of the staff members reportedly informed the pickup driver that the vehicle had been improperly parked.
The pickup is said to have followed the Ministry’s bus at high speed and cut across it dangerously. Although the bus driver managed to manoeuvre away, the pickup allegedly crossed the bus a second time.
A video of the incident seen by this portal shows occupants of the pickup, identified as police officers in plain clothes, stepping out of the vehicle and attacking Ministry staff through the windows of the bus.
The officers reportedly forced their way onto the bus, assaulted several staff members, and dragged Prince, an IT officer at the Ministry of Energy, off the bus.
He was allegedly beaten, forced into the pickup, and driven away.
The officers are also said to have seized his mobile phone to prevent him from communicating with colleagues or Ministry officials.
He was allegedly taken to the police headquarters, where he was detained for some time, before being transferred to the police hospital for medical treatment.
It took the intervention of the Ministry to secure his release.
WAPCo To Shut Down Facilities In Nigeria, Benin, Togo And Ghana For Routine Maintenance
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has announced that it will shut down its gas receiving facilities in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana between Sunday, January 18 and January 31, 2026 for routine maintenance works.
The scheduled Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS) tests are expected to last for a maximum of nine hours.
During the exercise, WAPCo’s facilities will not transport gas to customers in the four countries.
“These tests are mandated under the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) regulations and are planned collaboratively with key stakeholders in the four countries,” the company said in a post on its official social media platforms.
The company noted that the tests are aligned with industry best practices to safeguard the integrity, safety, and reliability of WAPCo’s gas transportation infrastructure.
WAPCo transports gas on behalf of power generation companies through its pipeline infrastructure, which traverses four West African countries: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
Kenya: Fuel Prices Drop As Shilling Appreciates Against US Dollar
Fuel prices have been reduced across Kenya, providing some relief to households and businesses grappling with high living costs.
The new prices take effect from January 15 to February 14, 2026, this portal can confirm.
The prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene have been reduced by KSh2.00, KSh1.00, and KSh1.00 per litre, respectively.
As a result, motorists in Nairobi will now pay KSh182.52 per litre for super petrol, KSh170.47 for diesel, and KSh153.78 for kerosene, according to a statement issued by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
For the previous three months, pump prices in Nairobi stood at KSh184.52 for super petrol, KSh171.47 for diesel, and KSh154.78 for kerosene.
In the coastal city of Mombasa, motorists will enjoy the lowest prices among major towns, with super petrol retailing at KSh179.24 per litre, diesel at KSh167.19, and kerosene at KSh150.49.
In western Kenya, Kisumu recorded significantly higher prices than the national average, with super petrol selling at KSh190.88 per litre, diesel at KSh178.83, and kerosene at KSh162.13.
Meanwhile, in the Rift Valley, Nakuru’s prices have been set at KSh181.56 for petrol, KSh169.87 for diesel, and KSh153.21 for kerosene. Eldoret, in the north-western region, will see prices of KSh182.38 for petrol, KSh170.68 for diesel, and KSh154.03 for kerosene.
A key factor behind the fuel price reduction has been the improved performance of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar. The local currency has strengthened to trade at around KSh128 to the dollar, compared to about KSh132 in the previous quarter. This appreciation of approximately 3 per cent has reduced the cost of importing petroleum products, which are priced in US dollars.
According to EPRA, the latest price review shows that the average landing cost of imported petroleum products declined during the review period, contributing significantly to the reduction in pump prices.
The landed cost of super petrol fell from about KSh73,800 per cubic metre in the previous pricing cycle to approximately KSh71,500 per cubic metre in January 2026. Diesel and kerosene also recorded modest declines in their landing costs. These costs include the free-on-board (FOB) price, ocean freight charges, and insurance.
The fuel price reduction comes as welcome relief for Kenyan households and businesses that have been contending with elevated costs. Transport expenses, which are closely linked to fuel prices, are expected to ease slightly, potentially reducing pressure on food prices and other goods dependent on road transport.
EPRA has assured Kenyans that it will continue to closely monitor market developments.
US Says Canada Will Regret Decision To Allow Chinese EVs Into Their Market
Officials of the administration of United States President Donald Trump have said that Canada will regret its decision to allow imports of up to 49,000 Chinese EVs, and that those cars would not be allowed to enter the US.
“I think they’ll look back at this decision and surely regret it to bring Chinese cars into their market,” US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Friday at an event with other government officials at a Ford factory in Ohio to tout efforts to make vehicles more affordable.
Canada in 2024 imposed 100 percent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) following similar US duties.
But on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a trade deal in Beijing that would allow in up to 49,000 Chinese EVs at a tariff of 6.1 percent on most-favoured-nation terms.
That move has prompted alarm in the US that it could help China get a broader foothold in North America even as Washington takes an increasingly hardline on Canadian vehicles and parts.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the limited number of vehicles would not impact US car companies exporting cars to Canada.
“I don’t expect that to disrupt American supply into Canada,” he said. “Those cars are going to Canada – they’re not coming here.”
The Canadian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.
Greer, in a separate CNBC interview, called Canada’s decision “problematic” and added, “There’s a reason why we don’t sell a lot of Chinese cars in the United States. It’s because we have tariffs to protect American auto workers and Americans from those vehicles.”
As per the trade agreements announced in Beijing on Friday, Carney said he expects China to lower tariffs on its canola seed by March 1 to a combined rate of about 15 percent, down from 85 percent.
Greer questioned that agreement. “I think in the long run, they’re not going to like having made that deal,” he said.
Cybersecurity of vehicles
Greer said rules adopted in January 2025 on vehicles that are connected to the internet and navigation systems are a significant impediment to Chinese vehicles in the US market.
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“I think it would be hard for them to operate here,” Greer said. “There are rules and regulations in place in America about the cybersecurity of our vehicles and the systems that go into those, so I think it might be hard for the Chinese to comply with those kind of rules.”
In contrast, President Donald Trump has said he would like Chinese automakers to come to the US to build vehicles.
However, lawmakers from both major US parties have expressed strong opposition to Chinese vehicles as major US car makers warn China poses a threat to the US car sector.
Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican, said at the event he was opposed to Chinese vehicles coming into the US — and drew applause from the other government officials.
“As long as I have air in my body, there will not be Chinese vehicles sold the United States of America — period,” Moreno said