Kenya Cuts Fuel Prices After Backlash, Ruto Defends Initial Hike

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has defended the country’s decision to hike fuel prices, saying the government had already stepped in with subsidies and tax adjustments to shield citizens from an even steeper increase.

His remarks came just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced a sharp rise in pump prices, pushing diesel and petrol costs above the KSh 200 mark.

The regulator reviewed prices, with a litre of diesel rising by KSh 40.30 to retail at KSh 206.84, while petrol increased by KSh 28.69 to KSh 206.97.

Kerosene prices, however, were maintained at KSh 152.78.

The regulator attributed the spike to rising global fuel prices and shipping costs, largely linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The scale of the increase triggered widespread anger among Kenyans, forcing EPRA to revise prices downward.

Petrol was reduced by KSh 9.37 and diesel by KSh 10.21, bringing the cost of a litre of petrol to KSh 197.60 and diesel to KSh 196.63.

Disruptions, including attacks on refineries and blockades of key shipping routes, have driven up the landed cost of petroleum products, with diesel imports rising by over 68% in March.

Speaking during a roadside rally in Kisii on Wednesday, April 15, Ruto said the country was better prepared than many nations facing fuel shortages and runaway costs.

The head of state insisted that measures put in place by the Kenya Kwanza administration were intended to cushion households and sustain the country’s economy.

“I want to explain this: the world is facing many challenges. We had a major problem before, with fuel issues causing us difficulty, but God helped us and we introduced the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) arrangement, which saved our country, Kenya. While others were struggling, we in Kenya were prepared; even other countries came to ask how we managed it,” Ruto said.

Despite the increases, Ruto maintained that the government had taken deliberate steps to prevent a heavier burden on consumers.

“We have allocated KSh 6.5 billion from the government to subsidise fuel in Kenya, and we have reduced VAT to help moderate fuel costs. I want to assure you that the Government of Kenya will do everything possible. In some countries, as I speak to you, there is no fuel at their pumps, but here in Kenya we have sufficient supply,” he added.

According to the government, value-added tax on petroleum products was reduced from 16% to 13% to ease pressure caused by high international prices.

Subsidies of KSh 20.30 per litre for diesel and KSh 4.92 for petrol were also applied, while kerosene received significantly higher support to keep its retail price unchanged.

Ruto emphasised that the government’s focus was not only on stabilising prices but also on ensuring a steady supply across the country.