The latest review of fuel prices by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has drawn widespread resentment among motorists and other consumers ’countrywide.
In the period under review, up until August 14th, EPRA has announced that the maximum increase allowed on petroleum pump prices for Super petrol, Diesel and Kerosene will go up by Sh8.99 per litre, Sh8.67 per litre and Sh9.56 per litre, respectively.
As a result of the hike, a litre of Super petrol, Diesel and Kerosene is retailing at Sh185.90, Sh171.20 and Sh155.10, respectively, in Kenol, Murang’a County.
KNA spoke to consumers who expressed their displeasure at the latest fuel hike, noting that already they are experiencing daily hardships due to the economic crunch and added that the increase will only weigh down more an already strained budget.
Grappling with the impact of the increase announced late last night, motorists, commuters and business owners are questioning both the timing and the rationale behind the hike.
“We need to know what happened to the G-to-G fuel deal that we were told about in 2023 and was supposed to ease pressure on the Kenyan shilling by reducing the demand for dollars in fuel importation,” says Mwangi Gakubia, a motorist in Kenol.
He argues that the increase of close to ten shillings is ill-timed and will put more pressure on an already sinking economy for ordinary citizens.
“Times are hard; we are barely getting by, and transport costs will rise, which will definitely push the price of food and other basic commodities a notch higher,” he adds.
Jane Wangeci, a businesswoman in Kenol town residing in Witeithie, notes that the significant increase will make it challenging for her to utilise her car for daily commuting going forward.
She says she will now resort to reducing her car usage and opting for public transportation twice a week in an attempt to mitigate the financial burden associated with fuel expenses.
“Before the fuel price increase, Sh2000 on fuel would last me a week of commuting to and fro but now that amount will only last me three days, so I have to alternate with resorting to public transportation three days a week to reduce the expense,” she says.
At the same time, boda boda riders are expressing their concerns about a decline in their earnings, as customers find it increasingly expensive to travel using their services as the increase in fuel prices affects their fare pricing as well.
Peter Murigi, a boda boda rider in Kenol town, noted that the rising fuel costs have been particularly unfavourable for him and his fellow riders, who in the recent past have not been able to work consistently due to the protests that have rocked the country lately.
“We are already surviving on very little; now imagine fuelling at almost Sh200 per liter, we do not have a choice but to hike the fares or go home with nothing,” he says as he signals a potential customer for a ride.
At the Wairia market, Mary Nyambura sits pensively next to her unsold cabbages, waiting for customers.
“This morning, I called my usual boda boda rider to bring my vegetables here and the first thing he told me was that I needed to add Sh200 to the usual amount of Sh300 I pay for a one-way journey because fuel prices have increased,” she says.
Having her transport costs doubled, she has no choice but to increase the prices of the vegetables to break even – and the result? Fewer sales and more unsold stock.
By Florence Kinyua
