By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, July 31, 2026 - Kenyan motorists and businesses could face renewed pressure at the pump when the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announces its next fuel price review in August, as global oil prices continue climbing amid persistent supply disruptions in the Middle East.
A survey published on July 31 found that analysts expect oil prices to remain elevated in the coming months as attacks on critical shipping routes continue to disrupt global supplies. The survey points to continuing uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, two of the world's most important energy corridors.
Brent crude, the international benchmark that Kenya uses as a reference point for imported fuel, was trading at around $89.50 per barrel on Friday, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude stood at approximately $83.63 per barrel. Both benchmarks are on course to register strong monthly gains.
Earlier in July, Brent crude briefly crossed the $100-per-barrel mark as tensions intensified across the Middle East, raising fears of further supply shortages.
Kenyan consumers have so far been shielded from the full impact of global price volatility after EPRA maintained fuel prices for the period between July 15 and August 14. Under the current pricing schedule, motorists in Nairobi are paying KSh214.03 per litre of petrol, KSh222.86 per litre of diesel and KSh191.38 per litre of kerosene.
EPRA attributed the decision to government interventions, including the use of funds from the Petroleum Development Levy and the temporary extension of tax relief measures.
The regulator's next review is expected on August 14, and analysts say international market developments will heavily influence the outcome.
While oil-producing countries have sought to reassure global markets, shipping activity remains under pressure because of continuing attacks and heightened security concerns along major maritime routes.
Tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have declined significantly as ship owners seek safer alternatives. Energy companies have also increased spending on transport and insurance costs, expenses that could ultimately be passed on to consumers.
More from Kenya
Crude prices are expected to remain within the $80 to $100 per barrel range in the short term unless a significant diplomatic breakthrough is reached.
Fuel prices influence almost every sector of Kenya's economy, from agriculture and manufacturing to transport and electricity generation. Any increase in fuel costs could therefore have a cascading effect on inflation, food prices and the overall cost of living.
Transport operators, manufacturers and small businesses have already warned that sustained increases in fuel costs could force them to pass additional expenses on to consumers.
For households, the greatest concern remains diesel prices, which directly affect the cost of transporting food and other essential commodities across the country.
Although the government has so far managed to cushion consumers from the worst effects of the global energy crisis, rising international prices suggest that maintaining the current levels may become increasingly difficult.
For now, all eyes remain fixed on global markets and EPRA's next announcement, which will determine whether the calm that Kenyan motorists have enjoyed over the past few weeks is about to come to an end.