Kenyans are now waiting for the Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to announce new fuel prices on Wednesday, September 14, especially in light of President William Ruto’s plan to end fuel subsidies.
During his inauguration speech as Kenya’s fifth President on Tuesday, September 13, he mentioned the fuel subsidy, claiming that taxpayers have spent a total of Ksh144 billion, including Ksh60 billion in the last four months.
“If the subsidy continues to the end of the financial year, it will cost the taxpayer Ksh280 billion, equivalent to the entire national government development budget,” he stated.
However, he did not mention an intervention plan in his speech to save Kenyans from the high cost of living, which would be exacerbated if fuel prices rose after the subsidy was removed.
Ruto’s move raised concerns among Kenyans, particularly motorists who use the product ahead of the announcement of the fuel price.
Withdrawal of the fuel subsidy could cause fuel prices to reach an all-time high. Last month, the subsidy kept petrol prices from rising to Sh214.04 per litre, up from Sh159.12.
Meanwhile, diesel would have increased to Sh206.17, up from Sh140.03, and kerosene would have increased to Sh202.11, up from Sh127.94, according to Epra.
Currently, Super Petrol costs Ksh159.12 per litre, while Diesel costs Ksh140 per litre. The price of kerosene per litre is Ksh127.94.
