(Nairobi) – Kenya continues to record the highest fuel prices in East Africa, according to the latest figures. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced on Thursday that November pump prices will remain unchanged in Kenya, with super petrol retailing at KSh180.66 per liter, diesel at KSh168.06, and kerosene at KSh151.39 in Nairobi. These rates will be effective from November 14 through December 14, 2024.
Compared to its regional neighbors, Kenya’s prices are notably higher. In Uganda, a liter of petrol costs KSh171, while in Rwanda it stands at KSh153.34, and in Tanzania, the lowest in the region, petrol is priced at KSh141.89 per liter. Diesel prices follow a similar pattern, with Kenya’s KSh168.06 per liter leading, followed by Uganda at KSh164.21, Rwanda at KSh155.50, and Tanzania at KSh137.12.
Despite the consistently high prices, Kenya did experience a notable price drop in October, marking the most significant decrease in 19 months. During this period, super petrol, diesel, and kerosene prices fell by KSh8.18, KSh3.54, and KSh6.93 per liter, respectively.
Meanwhile, Uganda reported its lowest fuel prices in six months, as the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) attributes this to a recent global dip in oil prices. To reduce future reliance on external oil supplies, Uganda has announced plans to advance the development of its own oil refinery.
In Tanzania, fuel costs remain the lowest in East Africa. The Tanzanian government credits this to favorable global oil price trends, reduced importation costs, and stable exchange rates, as reported by the country’s regulatory authority. Rwanda has similarly benefited from global pricing shifts, according to the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
On a global scale, oil prices have declined recently, mainly due to reduced demand in China, the world’s largest oil importer. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) noted in its latest weekly bulletin that global oil prices fell during the week ending November 14, reflecting both China’s reduced oil consumption and concerns of a potential oversupply.
In the same bulletin, the CBK reported that Murban oil, used as a pricing benchmark for crude oil across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, dropped from $75.66 (KSh9,800) on November 7 to $73.37 (KSh9,500) on November 14, 2024.
Regional Fuel Price Comparison
| Country | Petrol Price (KSh per liter) | Diesel Price (KSh per liter) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 180.66 | 168.06 |
| Uganda | 171.00 | 164.21 |
| Rwanda | 153.34 | 155.50 |
| Tanzania | 141.89 | 137.12 |