Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has called for immediate action to lower fuel prices, accusing the government of failing to address a crisis he says has been clear since February 2026.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Nyoro said the latest increase in pump prices is unjustified and risks worsening the cost of living across the country.

“It has been laid bare that the government has never been keen or committed to providing a solution to the crisis,” he said. “The drastic increment in fuel prices is unacceptable; a more humane variation must be made by reducing the pump prices now.”

His remarks come after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised fuel prices for the April–May cycle. Super petrol went up by Ksh28.69 per litre, while diesel rose by Ksh40.30, placing pressure on transport, food prices and businesses.

Nyoro warned that poor communication around fuel pricing could disrupt supply chains.

“Failure of the government to communicate clearly about the composition of the pricing may likely lead to supply chain hoarding,” he said. “Dealers are not sure who is paying how much and for what.”

He also dismissed the government’s current relief measures as insufficient. The administration recently cut VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to 13 per cent and released about Ksh6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy fund. Nyoro said these steps fall short.

“The VAT reduction of 3% is a dry joke taken too far,” he said. “Fuel products must be VAT-exempt during the intervening period.”

He argued that the government should immediately revert VAT to 8 per cent, where it stood before 2023, before considering further reductions.

Nyoro also criticised the level of subsidies, saying the Fuel Stabilisation Fund has enough resources to cushion consumers more effectively.

“The amount given for subsidies is too little. The Fuel Stabilisation Fund has around Ksh20 billion,” he said. “The government must commit at least Ksh10 billion into subsidies in the month up to May 14.”

Steps to lower prices

Nyoro outlined a plan he said can reduce fuel prices by at least Ksh27 per litre without introducing new costs.

First, he called for the removal of the Ksh7 fuel levy introduced in 2024. He said this can be done quickly through a gazette notice.

Second, he proposed an additional 5 per cent VAT cut, which he said would reduce prices by about Ksh8 per litre.

Third, he urged the government to release at least Ksh5 billion more from the Fuel Stabilisation Fund. Based on monthly consumption of about 400 million litres, he said this would lower prices by around Ksh12 per litre.

“This should translate to a reduction by Ksh7 plus Ksh8 plus Ksh12, which is Ksh27,” he said. “This is not too much to ask.”

Nyoro insisted that his proposals simply reverse recent tax measures.

“Kenyans are simply demanding the reduction of levies and taxes to the level they were before 2023,” he said.

He also questioned why pump prices remain high despite lower global oil prices compared to 2022.

“Global oil prices were higher in 2022… yet pump prices never exceeded Ksh160 per litre of petrol and Ksh140 per litre of diesel locally,” he said. “Global oil prices are cheaper now… why are Kenyans being made to pay more?”

Beyond taxes, Nyoro raised concerns about transparency in fuel importation, particularly the government-to-government arrangement.

“Can the leadership of the country come clean on the business dealings they are doing, hiding under G to G?” he asked. “The arrangement is a scam and a profit machine for leaders.”

He claimed that such deals benefit a few individuals while ordinary Kenyans bear the burden of high prices.

“Kenyans cannot continue to pay political rent at the pump. Enough is enough,” he said.

Nyoro urged the government to act without delay, warning that waiting for the next pricing cycle would worsen the situation.

“Kenyans cannot wait for another month for the revision to be done. Reduction in fuel prices must be done now without delays,” he said.

His comments come amid growing political pressure on the government. Opposition leaders led by Rigathi Gachagua have called for the resignation of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui over the fuel importation saga.

At the centre of the debate is the government’s policy direction under William Ruto. While the administration removed fuel subsidies earlier to manage public debt, it has recently introduced tax cuts and partial support measures to cushion consumers.

Despite these efforts, fuel prices continue to rise, with knock-on effects across the economy. Transport costs have increased, and businesses are already warning of higher prices for basic goods.

Nyoro said the situation demands urgent and decisive leadership.

“Time is of the essence. Our economy runs on fuel, and situations like these demand leadership that is fast and forthright,” he said.