The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) in Kenya has recently announced a substantial decrease in fuel prices for the period of April to May 2024.
The revised prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene now stand at Sh193, Sh180, and Sh170, respectively, marking a reduction of Sh5, Sh10, and Sh18, respectively.
This announcement follows the government’s commitment to significantly lower the cost of this essential commodity.
The reduction in fuel prices is expected to provide immediate relief for consumers who have been struggling with high fuel costs.
Businesses, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors, are set to benefit significantly from the lower operational costs brought about by the reduced prices.
The government’s intervention in stabilizing pump prices through compensating oil marketing companies plays a crucial role in ensuring that consumers benefit from the reduced prices.
The decrease in fuel prices is attributed to the global drop in oil prices and the recent strengthening of the Kenyan shilling against major international currencies.
EPRA has consistently reviewed fuel prices on a monthly basis, with prices steadily declining since December 2023.
The reduction in fuel prices is expected to alleviate the burden of transportation costs, which have been a major contributor to the high cost of living in Kenya. Additionally, the decrease is anticipated to have a positive impact on the economy by reducing production costs for businesses, potentially leading to lower prices for goods and services.
President William Ruto’s assurance to Kenyans that the cost of fuel would significantly reduce aligns with EPRA’s recent announcement.
EPRA’s monthly review of fuel prices serves as a crucial mechanism to ensure affordability of essential commodities for both consumers and businesses.
The drop in fuel prices is attributed to lower landed costs of imported super petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
To stabilize pump prices for the November-December 2023 cycle, the government compensated oil marketing companies.
EPRA previously lowered pump prices by KSh 1 per litre for all three products, providing relief from recent tax hikes.
The introduction of a 16% VAT on petroleum products in the Finance Bill, 2023, led to higher fuel pump prices.
The reduction in fuel prices has been welcomed by consumers and businesses in Kenya. The government’s intervention is expected to shield consumers from price spikes.
Consumer reactions to the reduction have been positive, with relief expressed at lower fuel costs. Business owners are optimistic about the benefits for their operations.
The government’s decision to stabilize pump prices has been viewed positively, with expectations of reduced living costs for Kenyans.
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Comparing current prices with past trends highlights the reduction’s significance, offering relief to consumers and businesses.
The fuel price decrease in Kenya is expected to have a positive impact on inflation and the economy.
Economists suggest that while fuel price increases typically lead to higher inflation, the effect is more pronounced in wealthier households than in poorer ones.
In developing economies like Kenya, inflation responds less to gasoline price shocks but persists for longer, affecting a wider range of goods and services.
This implies that Kenya’s fuel price drop may have a more significant impact on inflation than in more developed countries.
The lower fuel prices are expected to reduce transportation costs, a major factor contributing to Kenya’s high cost of living.
This decrease in transportation expenses could lower the overall consumer price index, a key measure of inflation.
Moreover, the reduced fuel prices are predicted to boost consumer spending by easing the burden of fuel costs on households.
This increase in consumer spending could stimulate economic activity and job creation, further benefiting the economy. To learn more about fuel prices; https://epra.go.ke/.
