EPRA has announced an increase in the price of petrol in Kenya.
In a statement on March 14, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority set the new price of petrol at Sh179.30 per litre in Nairobi, an increase of 2%.
This news comes as a blow to many Kenyans who are already struggling with high living costs.
EPRA has cited the need to continue subsidizing diesel and kerosene consumers as the reason for the increase in the price of petrol.
While the prices of diesel and kerosene have remained unchanged at Sh162 and Sh145.94 per litre, respectively, in Nairobi, the increase in petrol prices are expected have a ripple effect on the prices of goods and services across the country.
Diesel is a crucial component of Kenya’s economy as it is used for transportation, powering machinery, and for electricity generation.
On Monday, March 13, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir announced Kenya had signed a deal with Dubai and Saudi Arabia to purchase fuel on a government-to-government deal.
Saudi Aramco, which is controlled by the Saudi government, is the world’s largest oil firm, with significant operations in Asia, Europe, and North America.
This system will allow oil marketing companies to buy petroleum products in Kenyan shillings through a credit system for a period of six months.
This will ensure that dollars are available for other industries such as manufacturing and food security, which rely on imports or exports.
Kenya has been spending approximately $500 million every month to import fuel, which has been straining the demand for the greenback.
