Source: Africa Publicity
President William Ruto has directed that diesel prices be reduced by KSh10 in the June-July pricing cycle in a bid to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking after a consultative meeting with transport stakeholders at State House Mombasa on Friday, May 22, 2026, Ruto explained that the Government has been using the Petroleum Development Fund and the 50 per cent reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) – from 16 to 8 per cent – to stabilise fuel prices.
In the April-May and May-June 2026 pricing cycles, President Ruto pointed out, the Government has committed KSh28.19 billion in fuel price support through stabilisation measures and tax relief interventions to cushion Kenyans.
During the May-June 2026 pricing cycle alone, he said, the Government utilised KSh7.7 billion to stabilise prices and also had to forego KSh8 billion in VAT revenue, bringing the total support to KSh15.7 billion.
As a result, the President noted that Super Petrol prices reduced by KSh15.87 a litre, diesel by KSh44.89, and kerosene KSh78.62.
He pointed out that without the Government intervention, Super Petrol would today be retailing at KSh230.12 a litre instead of the current KSh214.25, diesel at KSh277.75 instead of KSh232.86, and kerosene at KSh270 instead of KSh191.38.
“These interventions have protected millions of Kenyans from even more severe economic hardship,” he said.
He told Kenyans that the Government fully understands the burden rising fuel prices have placed on families, businesses, farmers, and transport operators across the country.
The President noted that global fuel prices have risen sharply within weeks, with Super Petrol increasing by 54.4 per cent, diesel by 118.5 per cent, and kerosene by 126.4 per cent.
“These increases directly affected the landed cost of fuel imported into Kenya and ultimately impacted pump prices across the country,” he said.
