Energy CS Wandayi Defends Sharp Fuel Price Hike Amid Public Outcry
News Updated: 15 May 2026 17:18 EAT
Energy and petroleum cabinet secretary Opiyo Wandayi
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has defended the latest increase in fuel prices, attributing the sharp rise to volatility in global oil markets and uncertainty in petroleum supply caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He said Kenya, being a net importer of petroleum products, remains highly vulnerable to disruptions in international oil supply chains.
Speaking after the announcement of the new fuel prices, Wandayi said the ongoing global instability had pushed up the cost of crude oil, freight charges and insurance premiums, leading to higher landing costs for imported fuel products. He noted that disruptions around key global oil transit routes had worsened the situation for oil-importing countries.
Under the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Super Petrol increased by Sh16.65 per litre while Diesel rose by Sh46.29 per litre, pushing pump prices to record highs across the country. Kerosene prices remained unchanged during the review period.
Wandayi revealed that the government had applied about Sh5 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to cushion consumers from even steeper increases. According to the CS, the intervention prevented fuel prices from rising further despite the sustained pressure in global markets.
He explained that the average landed cost of imported petroleum products had risen sharply in recent weeks due to increased international demand, higher shipping expenses and uncertainty surrounding global supply. The CS insisted the latest price adjustments were driven mainly by external market forces rather than local tax measures.
The fuel hike has triggered widespread concern among Kenyans already struggling with the high cost of living. Public transport operators warned that matatu fares are likely to increase as operators seek to offset the higher cost of diesel and petrol.
Industry stakeholders have also expressed fears that the rise in diesel prices could push up the cost of transportation, food distribution, manufacturing and electricity generation. Economists warn that the latest fuel adjustments may trigger a fresh wave of inflation in the coming weeks.
The government maintained that stabilisation measures remain in place to protect consumers from severe market shocks. Officials said authorities would continue monitoring global petroleum prices and intervene where necessary to cushion Kenyans against extreme fluctuations.
Pressure is now mounting on the Kenya Kwanza administration as households and businesses brace for the ripple effects of the record fuel prices. Analysts say the country could continue experiencing elevated pump prices unless global crude oil markets stabilise and supply disruptions ease.
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