EPRA Clears the Air on Viral April Fuel Price Increase Claims

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has quickly moved to dismiss a viral poster that falsely claimed fuel prices in Kenya had sharply increased from April 1.

According to the regulator, the notice spreading online was fake, misleading, and not issued through any of its official communication channels.

In its clarification released on Wednesday, April 1, EPRA reminded Kenyans that fuel prices are not revised randomly.

The authority explained that under the Petroleum Act 2019, it is only mandated to review and announce the maximum retail pump prices on the 14th day of every month.

This means any notice claiming changes outside that schedule should be treated with caution unless it comes directly from EPRA’s verified platforms.

The fake poster had caused panic after alleging that the price of Super Petrol had jumped to KSh259.60 per litre, Diesel to KSh240.80, and Kerosene to KSh209.40.

It further claimed that the increase was linked to the rising landed cost of imported petroleum products, supposedly caused by growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The false message spread quickly on social media, creating anxiety among motorists, transport operators, and households already worried about the rising cost of living.

However, this information directly contradicted the official fuel prices announced by EPRA on March 14, 2026.

In the current pricing cycle, which runs until April 14, Super Petrol remains at KSh178.28 per litre, Diesel at KSh166.54, and Kerosene at KSh152.78. These are the legally recognized prices until the next scheduled review.

EPRA’s response comes at a time when public concern over possible fuel price increases is already high. The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has raised fears of major supply disruptions in the global oil market.

The closure and instability around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, has further intensified these concerns, pushing global crude prices higher and triggering speculation about local pump price increases in Kenya.

Analysts have warned that if the crisis in the Middle East continues for a prolonged period, countries that depend heavily on imported refined fuel, including Kenya, could eventually feel the pressure through higher landed costs.

This explains why many Kenyans were quick to believe the fake poster, especially with fears of inflation, transport fare hikes, and increased commodity prices already in the air.

The clarification also comes shortly after President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the government has measures in place to protect the country from fuel and fertiliser shortages.

In a statement issued on March 30, the President said the existing Government-to-Government fuel procurement arrangement has continued to cushion the country from sudden international price shocks.

According to the President, the special fuel import framework has helped stabilize supply, reduce immediate market pressure, and prevent sharp pump price increases from being passed directly to consumers.

He emphasized that the arrangement has so far proven to be a strategic and forward-looking intervention, especially during periods of global uncertainty.

President Ruto further noted that the Ministry of Energy and the National Treasury are on standby to introduce additional measures should international fuel prices continue to rise because of the conflict.

This is meant to ensure that Kenyans are protected from sudden economic shocks that could affect transport, food prices, farming costs, and overall inflation.

Overall, EPRA has urged the public to ignore the fake poster and rely only on official announcements made on the 14th of every month through its verified website and social media pages.

The regulator’s swift response was aimed at calming public fears and preventing unnecessary panic in the market as the country continues to monitor developments in the global oil supply chain.

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