“Ruto’s Directive Saved Fuel Prices!” – Wandayi Claims Despite Public Outcry
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi on Saturday, April 18, revealed that without government intervention, fuel would retail well over Ksh215 per litre.
Wandayi said the decision to lower VAT on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 13 per cent and later to 8 per cent was necessary to protect consumers from global price shocks.
He noted that the move, alongside other measures, came at a time when international oil markets were experiencing volatility driven by tensions in the Middle East.
The CS further defended the Ksh6.2 billion fuel subsidy levy, saying it played a crucial role in stabilising pump prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene across the country.
“In a span of one month, the prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene went up by 42 per cent, 69 per cent, and 105 per cent respectively, and therefore it was critical that the government, under the directive of the President, took the measures it took,” Wandayi told journalists on Saturday.
VIDEO UPDATE: Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi credits President William Ruto for proactive measures to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices.#HapaNdipo pic.twitter.com/6ihDOV3sQs
— Radio 47 (@Radio47_Kenya) April 18, 2026
He warned that without the interventions, the cost of fuel would have surged significantly higher, placing an even heavier burden on households and businesses.
“If those two actions were not taken, the price of super petrol would have been Ksh217 per litre, diesel Ksh236, and kerosene Ksh261,” he added, cautioning that kerosene users would have been the most affected.
Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) shows that in its April 14 review, pump prices had initially risen sharply, with super petrol increasing by Ksh28.69 per litre and diesel by Ksh40.30.
VIDEO UPDATE: Fuel costs will improve if the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens — CS Opiyo Wandayi.#HapaNdipo pic.twitter.com/PYMzwUUyBC
— Radio 47 (@Radio47_Kenya) April 18, 2026
The adjustments pushed prices in Nairobi to Ksh206.97 per litre for petrol and Ksh206.84 for diesel, sparking concern among consumers and transport operators over the rising cost of living.
However, following a tax adjustment, the regulator later revised the prices downwards, cutting Ksh9.37 per litre on petrol and Ksh10.21 on diesel, while kerosene remained unchanged.
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As a result, the current retail prices in Nairobi stand at Ksh197.60 for petrol, Ksh196.63 for diesel, and Ksh152.78 for kerosene.
Meanwhile, EPRA Director of Petroleum and Gas Edward Kinyua said on Friday that Kenya is exploring alternative fuel import routes to ensure a stable supply amid global uncertainties.
Kinyua revealed that the government has signed framework agreements with international suppliers to guarantee fuel availability, even during disruptions in key global shipping routes.
He added that Kenya is diversifying sourcing beyond the Middle East to include markets in Europe and the Far East, while also utilising the Red Sea route more frequently.
The government is also developing strategic fuel reserves at port facilities, giving it priority access in times of supply shortages, in a model similar to global hubs such as Rotterdam and Singapore.
“Ruto’s Directive Saved Fuel Prices!” – Wandayi Claims Despite Public Outcry
