By Jane Muia
Fuel prices have remained on a record high at the pump as the country struggles to beat the continuing increase in prices of commodities. The prices that were released by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority on February 14th will run till March 14, 2022. The fuel price seems to be varying across the country.
In Nairobi, the price of petrol stands at 129.72 shillings per liter while the cost of diesel remains at 110.60 shillings. The pump price of kerosene stands at 103.54 shillings.
Meanwhile, in Mombasa, the prices are a bit lower, with a liter of petrol standing at 127.46 shillings, diesel at 108.36, and kerosene recording 101.29 shillings.
Kisumu records the highest prices with a liter of petrol costing Ksh. 130.12, Ksh 113.3 (diesel), and Ksh. 104.26 (kerosene).
In December 2021, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) cushioned Kenyans from a sharp increase in prices of between 18.32 shillings (petrol),21.89 (diesel), and 23.57 (kerosene) respectively, which would have sent the prices of the three commodities to the highest level ever of Sh148(petrol), Sh132.49 (diesel) and Sh127.07 (kerosene).
Many countries globally have experienced a great hit after fuel prices took another record high at the pump. The continuing increase in the price of commodities has been attributed to the Russia-Ukraine crisis which has interrupted supply from Russia to European countries pushing up prices further.
Russia is one of the biggest exporters of crude oil and the world’s largest natural gas exporter which is vital for filling cars with fuel. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine tension may see the price of fuel ratchet up further.
Kenyans, who are currently choked by the increased food prices, should prepare for soaring fuel prices and a further rise to the food bills amid the crisis in eastern Europe. The effect will spill off and hike transport prices, energy bills, and the cost of manufactured goods.