Kenyans could soon get some relief at the pump after the government confirmed plans to lower diesel prices in the next fuel review.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Friday said the reduction will be implemented in line with a directive issued by President William Ruto, who recently ordered a Ksh10 cut in diesel prices.
The President announced the planned reduction during a meeting with transport sector stakeholders in Mombasa, saying the move was aimed at easing the burden on consumers and stabilising fuel costs.
Speaking on Friday, Wandayi assured Kenyans that the Ministry of Energy would carry out the directive as instructed.
“As the Energy minister working under the instructions of the President, my responsibility is to implement those instructions. We will effect the reduction in diesel prices as directed by the President,” Wandayi said.
If the adjustment is implemented as announced, diesel prices in Nairobi will drop by Ksh10 per litre, bringing the cost down to Ksh222.86.
The announcement is likely to be welcomed by transport operators, businesses and households that rely heavily on diesel, which plays a key role in transport, farming and industrial activities.
At the same time, Wandayi challenged public transport operators to be fair to passengers whenever fuel prices fall.
According to the CS, fare increases are usually announced quickly whenever fuel costs go up, but the same is rarely seen when prices drop.
“It shouldn’t work like this—when fuel prices go up, fare hikes happen right away. Yet, when fuel prices fall, riders don’t see any savings,” he said,
On June 14th, EPRA’s set to announce new June-July fuel prices. They’ll look at what changes, if any, for super petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
Wandayi added more info about recent global oil market stuff pushing up fuel costs. Apparently, there’s some tension in the Middle East. Also, as seasonal demand spikes in certain areas, supply gets squeezed, jacking up prices.
As per the CS, winter in Europe cranks up diesel use for heating. This drives up the global need, too.
There’s been turmoil in the Middle East impacting refinery work. This, in turn, hits how much fuel’s available worldwide.
Though these issues exist, Wandayi said the government has stepped in. Using the Petroleum Development Levy, they’ve softened the blow for folks facing price jumps.
With diesel likely to drop, there’s hope across Kenya that transport costs and some item prices will soften soon. People anticipate relief after a rough spell.