Fuel prices rise in Kenya due to the Iran war; government measures to support citizens

Kenyan authorities have raised fuel prices in the latest reaction to the US war on Iran.

Kenya is heavily dependent on fuel imports from Middle Eastern countries, making it more vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets.

The Kenyan Energy Regulatory Authority said that gasoline prices rose by 16.1% to about 206.97 shillings per liter.

The price of diesel also rose by 24.2% to 206.84 shillings.

This comes at a time when the price of kerosene has remained unchanged.

The sudden increase led to a rush of drivers to petrol stations before the new prices took effect, causing long queues, especially in the capital.

This price increase is due to the rising cost of imported petroleum products, which jumped by about 68.7%, as a result of supply disruptions and rising global crude oil prices.

Meanwhile, experts warned that continued high fuel prices could affect transportation and production costs, increasing inflationary pressures and impacting living standards.

In turn, the government reduced the value-added tax on fuel from 16% to 13%, with the aim of limiting the impact of large price increases and reducing their effects on citizens.

Fuel prices in Kenya remain hostage to developments in international markets, amid fears of further increases in the coming period, due to the Iranian war and developments in tensions in the Middle East region.