Parliament pushes EPRA for faster fuel price reviews amid global shocks
By Aloys Michael, April 20, 2026Kenya could soon see fuel prices reviewed every two weeks instead of the current 30-day cycle, if proposed amendments by Rongo Member of Parliament Paul Abuor are approved.
The proposal comes amid growing concern over global fuel market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.
The lawmaker is seeking changes to the Petroleum Act, 2019, to allow quicker adjustments to fuel prices during periods of international instability.
The move is aimed at ensuring Kenyan consumers benefit more rapidly when global fuel prices drop, rather than waiting an entire month under the current system.
Speaking on Monday, April 20, 2026, on the proposed amendments, Abuor pointed to heightened geopolitical risks affecting global oil supply chains. He specifically referenced threats to critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which have been linked to tensions involving Iran and the United States. These developments, he said, have led to sharp and unpredictable fluctuations in fuel prices worldwide.
Under the current law, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reviews and adjusts fuel prices once every 30 days. While this system provides stability, Abuor argues that it is too slow to respond to rapid changes in the global market.
“I am therefore proposing a targeted amendment to the following. Number one, allow the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Energy in consultation with EPRA, to formally declare an emergency pricing period where global disruptions occur. Number two, allow fuel price reviews every 14 days during declared emergencies,” the lawmaker said.
He explained that during such declared emergency periods, EPRA would be mandated to review fuel prices every 14 days instead of monthly. This, he believes, would create a more responsive pricing system that better reflects global market conditions.
Abuor emphasised that the proposal is designed to ensure consumers benefit when prices fall, without exposing them to sudden increases within the same cycle.
“We are trying to put in a mechanism where when prices drop, consumers can get immediate benefit,” he said.
Importantly, he clarified that the proposed changes would not introduce price controls, but rather improve the timing of adjustments within the existing regulatory framework. The current pricing formula would remain unchanged, continuing to factor in landed costs, stock levels, and supply chain considerations.
“This reform will deliver faster relief when global prices fall, improve fairness and transparency in pricing, and reduce pressure on households and businesses,” he said.
The proposals
The proposal also introduces safeguards to protect consumers during mid-cycle reviews. According to Abuor, any adjustments made within the 14-day emergency window would only allow prices to decrease or remain stable, ensuring that consumers are not subjected to unexpected increases before the next scheduled review.
The MP has already submitted the proposed amendments to the Clerk of the National Assembly for consideration. He revealed that he has lined up consultative meetings with key stakeholders, including the Energy Cabinet Secretary, EPRA officials, and oil marketers, to refine the proposal and build consensus.
The push for reform comes in the wake of the latest EPRA fuel price review conducted on April 14, 2026. Under the current schedule, the next review is expected on May 14, 2026, leaving a full month before any adjustments can be made.
Abuor argued that this delay could disadvantage consumers if global fuel prices drop significantly within that period. In such cases, Kenyans would still be required to pay higher prices until the next review cycle.
With global fuel markets expected to remain volatile, the proposed amendments could mark a significant shift in how Kenya responds to external economic shocks.
If adopted, the changes would provide a more flexible and consumer-friendly approach to fuel pricing, offering timely relief in uncertain times.