The Kenyan government is struggling to contain the economic fallout of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) announced a massive hike in fuel prices. Diesel costs have surged by a record 40 Kenya shillings per litre, while petrol prices rose by 28 shillings, pushing both to 206 shillings per litre.
These increases come despite a government attempt to mitigate the pain by cutting the value-added tax on fuel from 16% to 13%. The administration claims these price adjustments are a direct result of soaring global oil and shipping costs caused by the war.
While the government insists that fuel stocks remain sufficient, reports of localized shortages persist, with officials accusing private companies of hoarding supplies. Adding to the turmoil is a brewing scandal involving a substandard fuel consignment imported outside of official government channels.
This controversy, which has already led to the resignation and arrest of high-level energy officials, remains under active investigation. As the global energy crisis continues to disrupt markets and force nations across Africa to implement emergency measures, Kenyan consumers are left to foot the bill for a volatile international landscape.
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