Fuel prices have risen sharply in Kenya after the country’s energy regulator (EPRA) announced a price review on Wednesday, April 15, which will remain in effect until Thursday, May 14, when the next review is scheduled.
The regulator increased the prices of super petrol and diesel, while the cost of kerosene remains unchanged.
During the period under review, the price of a litre of petrol has increased by KSh 28.69, while diesel recorded the steepest rise at KSh 40.30 per litre.
For the next 30 days, super petrol, diesel, and kerosene in Nairobi will retail at KSh 206.97, KSh 206.84, and KSh 152.78 per litre, respectively.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for super petrol and diesel have increased by KSh 28.69 per litre and KSh 40.30 per litre, respectively, while the price of kerosene remains unchanged,” EPRA announced.
From US$582.11 (KSh 75,266.82) per cubic metre in February 2026 to US$823.87 (KSh 106,526.39) in March 2026, the average landed cost of imported super petrol rose by 41.53%.
Diesel increased by 68.72%, from US$636.45 (KSh 82,292.99) to US$1,073.82 (KSh 138,844.93), while kerosene surged by 105.15%, from US$639.48 (KSh 82,684.76) to US$1,311.93 (KSh 169,632.55) per cubic metre.
EPRA noted that the prices include Value Added Tax (VAT) in accordance with the VAT Act, 2013, as read with Legal Notice No. 69 of April 14, 2026, the Finance Act, 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, and the updated excise duty rates adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
To cushion consumers from the high landed cost of petroleum products due to rising global prices, the VAT rate on super petrol, diesel, and kerosene has effectively been reduced from 16% to 13%. Through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund, the government will further protect consumers by stabilising pump prices with approximately KSh 6.2 billion.
EPRA also clarified that the super petrol delivered by One Petroleum from MT Paloma, deemed substandard, was excluded from the calculation of the new rates.
Four civil society groups have proposed a cumulative GH¢1.65 reduction in levies and margins on petroleum products, following President Mahama’s call for the Finance and Energy Ministers to remove selected fuel levies to cushion consumers.
According to the four CSOs, the proposed cut should last for a period of two months instead of the four weeks proposed by the government.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, IMANI, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), the Institute for Energy Securities (IES), and the Institute for Energy Policy Research (INSTEPR) outlined their position.
The groups stated that this recommendation would not overburden the country’s fiscal space, noting that the government is expected to receive a significant windfall from upstream crude production and exports within the period.
They further proposed a more comprehensive solution to the country’s perennial fuel price escalations by rationalising all existing taxes, levies, and margins, with the aim of permanently removing those that burden individuals and national resources.
Additionally, they proposed the creation of a Strategic Reserve Fund by revisiting some of the levies identified for review, whose revenues could be utilised at all times for the purchase and storage of fuel. This reserve could then be used to stabilise the domestic market during unforeseen disruptions.
They also called for the modernisation and retooling of the country’s refinery and storage capacity by committing adequate investments in the country’s main oil refinery (TOR) and the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST). This, they noted, would position TOR and other refineries to better process the country’s crude liftings, while enabling BOST to expand its storage infrastructure.
Talks to end the Iran war could resume in Pakistan over the next two days, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, after the collapse of weekend negotiations prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports.
Gulf, Pakistani and Iranian officials also said negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran could return to Pakistan later this week, though one senior Iranian source said no date had been set.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump was quoted as saying in an interview with the New York Post.
While the U.S. blockade drew angry rhetoric from Tehran, signs that diplomatic engagement might continue helped calm oil markets, pushing benchmark prices below $100 on Tuesday.
The highest-level talks between the two adversaries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution ended in Islamabad without a breakthrough, raising doubts over the survival of a two-week ceasefire that still has a week to run.
Among the slew of issues at stake were access to the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and international sanctions on Tehran.
Since the United States and Israel began the war on February 28, Iran effectively shut the strait to nearly all vessels except its own, saying passage would be permitted only under Iranian control and subject to a fee.
Nearly a fifth of global oil and gas supplies previously flowed through the narrow waterway, making the fallout from its closure widespread.
In a countermeasure, the U.S. military said it began blocking shipping traffic in and out of Iran’s ports on Monday.
Tehran has threatened to hit naval ships going through the strait and to retaliate against its Gulf neighbours’ ports.
U.S. Central Command said the blockade of Iranian ports, which only applies to ships going to or from Iran, involved more than 10,000 U.S. military personnel, more than a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft.
“During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.
Shipping data showed the blockade had made little difference to Strait of Hormuz traffic on Tuesday, with at least eight ships crossing the waterway.
The latest standoff has further clouded the outlook for global energy security and the supply of goods that rely on petroleum.
The International Monetary Fund cut its growth outlook and said the global economy would teeter on the brink of recession if the conflict worsens and oil stays above $100 per barrel into 2027.
The International Energy Agency meanwhile slashed its forecasts for global oil supply and demand growth.
Exports of all green technologies manufactured in China surged in March and in the first quarter, making Chinese clean energy manufacturers winners in the war-induced oil shock.
China’s exports of lithium batteries soared by 50.4% between January and March, compared to the same quarter of 2025, Wang Jun, deputy director of China’s General Administration of Customs, said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Exports of electric vehicles also surged, by 77.5% on the year in the first quarter, the official said. Chinese overseas sales of wind turbine parts and equipment jumped by 45.2%, according to official Chinese customs data shared by Wang at the press conference.
China’s lithium battery sales abroad were also helped by manufacturers front-loading shipments to take advantage of higher rebate rates on the export tax. The rate was reduced on April 1 to 6% from 9% previously and is planned to be eliminated from 2027.
Still, demand for green technology amid the crisis was the key driver of soaring battery, EV, and wind technology exports out of China during the first quarter.
Export growth will likely accelerate in the second quarter, considering the fact that the first quarter included only one month of the Middle East conflict, while countries scramble to replace oil and gas use with clean technology wherever possible amid uncertainties when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen to some kind of normal vessel traffic.
In March alone, Chinese electric vehicle exports soared by 140% to a record high as the fuel price shock drove consumers back to EVs.
China exported as many as 349,000 electric vehicles last month, a record high number of any month ever, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association cited by Bloomberg.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has appealed to Ghanaians—especially residents of Accra—to bear with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as it undertakes a major transformer upgrade and replacement exercise to improve electricity supply reliability in the region.
The company is installing 12 new transformers across six primary substations located in Adenta, La, Teshie-Nungua, Nmai Dzor, Baatsona, and Lashibi.
The upgrades will increase capacity from 26 MVA to 39 MVA to enhance load handling and reduce system overloads in fast-growing communities.
The exercise requires temporary curtailment of electricity supply to allow the work to be carried out.
Speaking to a section of journalists after inspecting the ongoing installation of new transformers at ECG’s Nungua District Office primary substation, Dr. Jinapor commended the management and staff of ECG for the initiative, noting that it is the result of a comprehensive assessment of the distribution network.
He stated that the assessment revealed years of underinvestment, aging equipment, and insufficient expansion of the distribution network.
He further noted that the transformer being replaced had served the area for 22 years, necessitating its replacement to accommodate the surge in demand from the growing community.
Dr. Jinapor explained that the exercise will be extended nationwide, adding that after Accra, the next phase will take place in Kumasi, before moving on to other regions.
“So let me appeal that they bear with us. For instance, this exercise will be done by Friday. And so between now and Friday, if you experience some challenges in this particular area, bear with us for the good of the system. We will be moving to other regions in the month of May. The Volta Region is also developing a comprehensive programme to boost the system so that we can address the low outages we have experienced over the years,” he said.
“I’m very happy with what the engineers are doing. I want to thank them. I also want to thank the President for his leadership and the Minister of Finance for his support,” he added.
However, he raised concerns about lethargy among some staff, cautioning that he would be compelled to initiate a shake-up if the situation does not improve.
“If you are a district manager or a regional manager, we expect you to be proactive. Many of them are doing very good work, but we need to do more. I have asked the Managing Director to set key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive performance,” he said.
The Managing Director of ECG, Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena, revealed that more than 2,000 distribution transformers will be installed between this year and next year to ensure reliable electricity supply across its operational areas.
Ghana’s Energy Commission has certified and graduated 30 Energy Audit Professionals, comprising 27 males and 3 females, reinforcing the country’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability amid rising global energy pressures.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Ghana Institution of Engineering, was under the theme “A Greener Ghana: The Role of the Energy Audit Professional.”
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners.
The newly certified professionals are expected to support efforts to reduce energy waste, lower carbon emissions, and enhance economic resilience.
The Chairperson of the event, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, described it as not merely a graduation, but a “blueprint for national transformation.”
He noted that the strategic redesignation of the Ministry of Energy to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in January 2025 signaled a definitive shift toward climate action.
Ing. Bempong challenged the graduates to act as “detectives of inefficiency,” identifying energy leaks in factories, hotels, and government offices.
Addressing the graduates, the Commission’s Board Chair, Prof. John Gartchie Gatsi, characterized the milestone as the beginning of their contribution to Ghana’s energy transition, urging them to play an active role in advancing the country’s green agenda.
The Acting Executive Secretary, Adwoa Serwaa Bondzie, highlighted energy efficiency as the “first fuel” and the most cost-effective means of meeting rising energy demand. She encouraged the professionals to serve not only as technical experts, but also as advisors and change agents in promoting conservation.
She further noted that, with the anticipated implementation of Energy Performance Certification for buildings, energy auditors would play an increasingly critical role in shaping sustainable development.
The Commission also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the Ghana Institution of Engineering, the Millennium Development Authority under the Ghana Power Compact, and the Sustainable Energy Service Centres.
The newly certified professionals are expected to play a vital role in reducing electricity demand, easing pressure on the national grid, and lowering energy costs nationwide.
Ghana’s power transmission company, GRIDCo, has successfully installed and commissioned a new 120/145MVA Siemens Energy power transformer at the Afienya Substation in the Tema Region to boost power supply in the area.
This milestone project marks a significant upgrade from the previous 66MVA transformer, effectively more than doubling the station’s capacity and positioning the grid to meet increasing load demands across Accra, Dawhenya, and surrounding communities.
Commenting on the project, Ing. Dr. Benefit E.A.K. Patu, Supervisor for Electrical Maintenance at GRIDCo, said the initiative was driven by the urgent need to address overloading challenges in the area.
Ing. Dr. Patu at work
He explained, “The capacity of the original transformer (50/66MVA) was nearing its limit due to increasing demand from ECG’s extended distribution lines. With the new 120/145MVA transformer, we now have the capacity to accommodate more load and extend reliable power supply to more communities.”
This upgrade doubles the capacity at the Afienya Substation and also strengthens the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS), ensuring a stable and efficient power supply for both current and future needs.
The installation involved a series of critical steps, beginning with positioning the transformer on its foundation, followed by the full assembly of its components and accessories.
The team then carried out oil filtration to ensure proper filling of the transformer core and conservator, while also preparing the OLTC unit with oil to support efficient operation and overall system performance.
During the oil treatment process, the team focused on reducing the moisture content in the transformer oil to acceptable levels (measured in PPM). Continuous monitoring showed single-digit PPM results, indicating very good quality.
The results were subsequently submitted to the technical service team for validation and were successfully approved.
The Protection and Control (P&C) team also played a critical role in ensuring the transformer’s safe operation.
Ing. Francis Koomson led the team in decommissioning old cables, installing new wiring, and conducting comprehensive protection tests, including trip testing to confirm that the system responds correctly under fault conditions.
Ing. Francis Koomson (left), Supervisor for Protection and Control and team
“Our responsibility was to ensure the transformer operates safely. We verified that in the event of a fault, the system will trip as expected,” he stated.
After comprehensive testing and thorough technical validation, the transformer was deemed ready for commissioning.
The transformer replacement and installation work was carried out entirely by GRIDCo engineers, led by Ing. Dr. Benefit E.A.K. Patu, Supervisor for Electrical Maintenance.
He was assisted by Ing. Francis Koomson, Supervisor for Protection and Control, and Mr. Albert Baiden-Amissah, Supervisor for Line Maintenance.
The successful commissioning of the 120/145MVA Siemens Energy power transformer is a testament to GRIDCo’s commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and reliability in power transmission.
By overcoming technical and environmental challenges, the team has not only delivered a critical infrastructure upgrade but also reinforced GRIDCo’s role as the backbone of Ghana’s power sector.
Ghana’s gas aggregator, the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas), has refuted media reports suggesting wrongdoing in its procurement processes and the recent change of its lead insurer.
In a statement issued by Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, Head of Corporate Affairs, the company categorically stated that no wrongdoing has occurred regarding its procurement and insurance matters.
The statement explained that the new insurance arrangements are entirely lawful and represent an enhanced risk management strategy aimed at safeguarding the company’s assets.
It further noted that all contracts awarded to date have undergone the requisite approval processes from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), following commitment authorizations granted by the Ministry of Finance.
The statement also reaffirmed the commitment of the Board and management to stakeholders and the general public.
The company added that it remains fully focused on delivering gas in a timely and efficient manner to ensure the nation’s energy needs are consistently met.
“As is standard practice for any robust organization, the Company will continue to review and strengthen its internal processes when necessary. This ensures that corporate governance, compliance, and risk management are effectively maintained for the ultimate benefit of the Company and all its stakeholders,” the statement concluded.
Zambia has conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new 60,000 barrels-per-day crude oil refinery in Ndola, estimated at $1.1 billion.
This development marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s energy security and advancing its industrialization agenda.
The project is being executed by Zambia Petrochemical Energy Company Limited (ZPEC), a joint venture between the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and China’s Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation (FJXX).
Speaking at the ceremony in Ndola District, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, MP, emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it represents a major milestone in Zambia’s industrial and economic transformation.
“This project sends a clear message that Zambia is open for business and ready to partner with serious investors,” Hon. Mulenga said. He highlighted its potential to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, support downstream industries, and create jobs.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote echoed these sentiments, noting: “Under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, we are attracting private sector investment into Zambia’s energy sector. We are creating an environment that encourages private sector participation, demonstrating our commitment to a privately driven economy.”
The project is expected to create over 2,200 jobs during the construction phase, with many more sustained afterward. Local Zambians are set to benefit from employment opportunities and skills transfer.
Copperbelt Province Minister, Hon. Elisha Matambo, welcomed the initiative, stating: “The provincial administration is committed to supporting such investments and ensuring a conducive environment for their success.”
Industrial Development Corporation CEO Cornwell Muleya added that the project would drive industrialization, create jobs, and benefit local communities through corporate social responsibility programs, transforming Ndola and surrounding areas.
Mr. Huang Tieming, Chairperson of Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation (FJXX) and ZPEC, said: “As a key land-linked country in Southern Africa, Zambia’s industrial, transport, and agricultural sectors continue to expand, driving increased demand for refined petroleum products. Once completed, this refinery will significantly reduce Zambia’s reliance on imported fuels, ensure a stable supply of gasoline and diesel, and create substantial employment opportunities.”
A representative of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Mr. Wang Shen, noted that the refinery reflects the longstanding relationship between Zambia and China.
“It will further strengthen the foundation of Zambia’s industrialization and modernization while increasing the value addition of energy and chemical products,” he said.
Noble Energy EG Ltd. (a Chevron company) has confirmed that Chevron has taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Aseng Gas Monetization Project in Equatorial Guinea.
The FID follows the execution of relevant agreements and remains subject to final regulatory approvals.
Speaking on the FID, Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director for Chevron Nigeria and the Mid-Africa region, noted that the agreements and decision were made possible by a deal signed in September 2025 with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.
The deal confirmed competitive fiscal and tax terms to enable the project.
He explained that the project scope includes developing gas resources in the Aseng Field through existing midstream infrastructure. It also has the potential to sustain the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Equatorial Guinea to global markets into the mid-2030s.
“The project also enables further investments in the Chevron-operated Block O Alen Field, the cross-border Yoyo-Yolanda Field, and exploration activities in the blocks acquired by Chevron in 2024,” he added.
Swartz noted that, with nearly three decades of presence in Equatorial Guinea, Chevron remains committed to supporting the country in developing its energy resources. He added that the company looks forward to working with its partners on the Aseng Project, which is critical to the development of Equatorial Guinea’s energy sector.
Chevron currently operates Block O and Block I and holds a non-operated interest in the Alba PSC and Alba Plant. In 2024, Chevron signed agreements with the Government of Equatorial Guinea to incorporate exploration blocks EG-06 and EG-11 into its portfolio in the country.
Kenya Power has announced the death of staff member Mr. Shadrack Makembo, who was attacked on Thursday while on duty in the Checheles area near Isiolo Town.
Despite receiving emergency treatment at the scene and later being airlifted to Nairobi for specialized care, Mr. Makembo sadly succumbed to his injuries that evening.
In a statement, the company said preliminary findings indicate suspected fraudulent electricity consumption at the premises where the incident occurred.
Kenya Power strongly condemned the criminal act, stating that it is working closely with investigating authorities to ensure that the suspect, Sheikh Mayo, who remains at large, is apprehended and brought to justice.
“As highlighted in our earlier statement, this is not an isolated incident. Some of our employees have previously been attacked while carrying out their duties. Such criminal acts are unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue,” the company said.
Kenya Power said it remains unwavering in its commitment to the safety and welfare of its employees and will continue to strengthen measures to protect them. It urged customers and the public to support its workforce as they serve communities across the country.
The company extended its deepest condolences to Mr. Makembo’s family, friends, and colleagues, and said it continues to stand with them during this difficult time.
Uganda was plunged into darkness on Sunday after the country’s transmission grid developed a technical fault.
Reports indicate that the problem originated at the Lugogo substation, triggering safety systems across the national grid.
In a statement issued on April 12, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) confirmed that technical teams had been deployed to restore power as quickly as possible, adding that investigations into the cause of the outage are ongoing.
“Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) informs the general public that a nationwide power outage occurred on April 12, 2026, at 8:53 AM.
“Our technical teams have commenced efforts to restore the national grid in the shortest time possible and are investigating the cause of the incident,” the statement read.
UETCL urged the public and production facilities to switch off power sources during the blackout to prevent damage and ensure safety during restoration.
The company also apologized for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their patience.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the public’s patience during the restoration process,” it added.
The outage comes amid an ongoing UETCL maintenance programme aimed at ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
According to the company, such efforts include equipment servicing, hardware and software upgrades, and troubleshooting system issues—activities that can sometimes result in temporary outages but are necessary for the long-term efficiency and safety of the electricity network.
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, on Friday hosted Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, at the Ministry to deliberate on which levies and margins on petroleum products should be suspended following the President’s directive issued on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah; Chief Director of the Ministry, Solomon Adjetey Sowah; Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo Esq.; and Managing Director of BOSTEnergies, Mr. Afetsi Awoonor.
The suspension of selected levies and margins is expected to take effect from April 16, marking the beginning of the second pricing window for the month.
It remains unclear which specific levies and margins the two ministries have agreed to suspend.
However, this portal understands that the Special Petroleum Tax and the BOST margin may be among those under consideration.
Regarding the recently introduced Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Recovery Levy—which imposes GHS1 on petroleum products—it is unlikely that the ministers agreed to suspend it due to its critical role in ensuring fuel security for thermal power generation.
More likely, the ministers may opt to reduce the levy rather than suspend it entirely.
In a Facebook post, Dr. Jinapor said the directive to suspend selected levies and margins underscores the government’s continued commitment to prioritising the welfare and economic well-being of the people of Ghana.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged Nigerians to appreciate the availability of fuel despite rising costs, saying they are better off than citizens in Kenya and other African nations grappling with shortages and high prices.
According to the President, although fuel prices are biting harder, Nigerians are still in a relatively better position and should be grateful.
“Let’s just thank God together that you are better off listening to them in Kenya and other African countries—what they are going through,” Tinubu said while inaugurating projects executed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Fuel prices have climbed to about ₦1,300 per litre, largely driven by the US–Israel–Iran tensions, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz and rattled global oil markets.
The President said: “The fuel prices are biting hard. But look around. We will continue to find ways to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable.”
He added: “This is a government that cares. We will look at the numbers with finance, economic planning, and budgeting, and see what we can do to ease the burden.”
Tinubu attributed the hardship partly to global forces beyond Nigeria’s control, describing it as fallout from “the challenge of a war we didn’t call for, but the effects of an interrelated world that we share.”
However, the President’s comments have drawn criticism from sections of Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Reacting, Atiku said the comparison was misplaced and failed to reflect the economic realities faced by Nigerians.
“It is both curious and troubling that the President would isolate fuel prices as a metric of economic comfort while ignoring far more critical indicators such as purchasing power, income levels, and cost of living.
“This selective reasoning betrays either a fundamental misunderstanding of economic realities or a deliberate attempt to deflect from policy failures.”
He added that while petrol prices in Nigeria may appear lower than in countries like Kenya or South Africa, such comparisons collapse when viewed against broader economic realities.
“Nigeria today is more expensive to live in than Kenya, with the average cost of living significantly higher despite lower fuel prices,” Atiku said in a statement issued in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Atiku further pointed to declining earning power among Nigerians, contrasting it with income levels in Kenya.
“More alarming is the collapse in earning power. Kenya’s GDP per capita is nearly double that of Nigeria, and a minimum wage earner in Nairobi takes home the equivalent of about ₦170,000—more than twice Nigeria’s ₦70,000.
“In effect, while a Kenyan earns more and pays more, a Nigerian earns far less and is forced to survive under crushing economic pressure. This is the reality the President chose to ignore.”
The former Vice President also criticised Nigeria’s wage structure, saying it fails to reflect regional economic disparities.
He stressed that affordability goes beyond pricing, warning that current economic conditions have worsened living standards.
“The implication is clear: affordability is not defined by price alone, but by the relationship between income and expenditure. On this measure, Nigerians have never had it worse.
“It is, therefore, deeply disappointing that at a time when citizens expect empathy, clarity, and decisive leadership, the President has chosen the path of statistical convenience.”
