Motorists to govt: Why Kenyans are still paying high fuel prices despite falling oil costs
By Aloys Michael, July 15, 2026For millions of Kenyan motorists, every monthly fuel price announcement by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has become a measure of whether global market changes are reaching consumers.
But despite periods of declining international crude oil prices, many Kenyans continue to question why pump prices remain high and why relief at the global market level is not fully reflected at petrol stations.
The debate has intensified after the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) accused the government and EPRA of failing to pass lower global oil costs to consumers, arguing that motorists are carrying the burden of a fuel pricing system that does not respond quickly enough to international market changes.
MAK says the latest fuel price decision highlights a deeper problem: whether Kenya’s fuel pricing framework is designed to protect consumers when global prices fall, in the same way it responds when international costs rise.
Why are Kenyan fuel prices not falling faster?
Fuel prices in Kenya are influenced by several factors beyond the price of crude oil. The monthly EPRA fuel pricing review considers components such as the cost of imported petroleum products, international market prices, exchange rate movements, taxes, levies, transport and storage costs.
This means that a reduction in global crude oil prices does not automatically translate into an equal reduction at the pump.
However, motorists argue that consumers should benefit more directly when international markets become favourable.
MAK maintains that the fuel pricing system should work both ways, reflecting increases when costs rise and delivering meaningful reductions when global prices decline.The government, through EPRA, regulates fuel prices under Kenya’s petroleum laws to ensure stability, transparency and consumer protection.
However, motorists and consumer groups have increasingly questioned whether the current system provides enough transparency and accountability.
MAK argues that fuel price determination should be insulated from political influence and based on an independent, transparent formula that clearly shows how international market movements affect local prices.
The association has called for reforms to Kenya’s energy laws, arguing that consumers should not lose out when global market conditions create an opportunity for lower prices.
The fuel debate goes beyond vehicle owners. Petrol and diesel prices influence the cost of transporting goods, running businesses, moving agricultural produce and operating public transport.
When fuel costs remain high, the effects are felt through higher logistics expenses, increased production costs and pressure on household budgets.
For commuters, fuel prices can influence matatu fares and other transport costs. For consumers, they can contribute to higher prices for food and everyday goods.
This is why fuel pricing has become a major economic issue rather than simply a concern for motorists.
Government revenue versus consumer relief
One of the biggest issues in the fuel pricing debate is the balance between government revenue needs and consumer affordability.
Fuel taxes and levies contribute significantly to public finances, supporting government programmes and infrastructure development.
However, motorists argue that high fuel costs also create wider economic pressure by increasing the cost of living and reducing business competitiveness.
The challenge for policymakers is finding a balance between raising necessary revenue and ensuring that Kenyan consumers benefit when international energy prices decline.
MAK is calling for a fuel pricing system that provides greater transparency, accountability and a clearer link between global oil market movements and local pump prices.
The association argues that motorists should not only experience the impact of rising international prices but should also enjoy the benefits when global conditions improve.