By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, May 18, 2026 - Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday said the Government had moved to cushion Kenyans from the sharp rise in fuel prices triggered by the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict and disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Prof Kindiki said the closure of the key global oil transit route had forced ships to take longer routes, pushing insurance and transport costs to record highs.
“The Government has already reduced VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent, while Sh12 billion from the fuel stabilisation fund has been applied to manage prices. Otherwise, prices would have shot to Sh300 per litre by now,” said Prof Kindiki.
The Deputy President revealed that President William Ruto had directed Cabinet Secretaries in charge of the National Treasury, Energy, Transport and Interior ministries to urgently engage stakeholders and recommend additional measures to restore stability in the transport sector.
The Government’s response came amid mounting public outrage following the latest fuel price review announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Under the new pricing, Super Petrol increased by Sh16.65 to retail at Sh214.25 per litre, while Diesel recorded the sharpest jump, rising by Sh46.29 to Sh242.92 per litre. Kerosene remained unchanged at Sh152.78 per litre.
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The fuel hike has sparked anxiety across the country, with fears of a fresh wave of inflation expected to hit transport, food and other basic commodities.
Even as he defended the Government’s intervention measures, Prof Kindiki warned against violent protests and criminal activities linked to public demonstrations over the soaring cost of living.
“While citizens have the freedom to demonstrate to show their displeasure with the prevailing situation, criminal acts of arson, obstruction of traffic, looting of property and robbery of motorists and other innocent members of the public cannot be tolerated and will be severely punished,” he said.
He appealed to Kenyans to remain calm as the Government weighs further interventions, insisting the current crisis had largely been caused by external global factors beyond Kenya’s control.