Kenyan commuters now pay more for public transport services due to a recent rise in fuel prices that saw the price of diesel being raised by KSh46.
Kenya fuel price hike, In its fuel review, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) stated that the cost of diesel will rise by KSh46.29, making the new price for diesel in Nairobi KSh242.92.
Petrol prices were up by KSh16.65 per litre, making the new price KSh214.25. Meanwhile, the cost of kerosene remained at KSh152.78.
Increase in Matatus’ Fares in Nairobi
The increase in fuel prices led to a sharp rise in the fares charged by public transport operators across popular routes within Nairobi.
Super Metro raised the cost of traveling from Nairobi City Center to Westlands from KSh40 to KSh50.
Additionally, the cost of travel using matatus on the Kikuyu route was hiked to KSh70, as operators cited the escalating cost of fuel as making the operations expensive.
Operators of public transport services indicate that further fare hikes may occur should the prices of fuel continue increasing over the next few weeks.
Reasons for the Rise in Fuel Prices in Kenya
Fuel prices in Kenya have been rising due to the unstable state of affairs in the international market of oil, which is currently strained due to tension between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Due to an increase in international crude oil prices, countries that import fuel, such as Kenya, are currently experiencing high transport and food costs.
Panic Buying Takes Place At Petrol Stations
In reaction to the EPRA statement issued late Thursday evening, car owners queued at petrol stations in Nairobi, Kisumu, Naivasha, and Eldama Ravine after midnight.
This sharp rise has once again cast doubts over Kenya’s overall cost-of-living challenges, particularly in terms of those working individuals who have no option other than to use public means to commute from one place to another.
An Even Higher Financial Burden for Daily Commuters
Transportation costs have been very high for most commuters in Nairobi and Mombasa towns, where transport takes up a big part of their earnings.
Furthermore, any further rise in fare costs might also impact the prices of food supplies as well as the price of goods carried in business by matatus.
The analysts believe that such an unstable oil market could push inflation rates further upwards.
Conclusion
Kenya’s recent fuel price increment has already started affecting its citizens as matatu owners raise prices owing to increased diesel costs.
At present, the cost of diesel per litre is above KSh240 in Nairobi town, and people fear more increments in fares and food prices in the future.
