At a moment when prices of basic commodities have soared to a record high, Kenyans will be KES 9 more for every litre of fuel. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new pump prices on Tuesday, June 15, 2022 evening that is likely to skyrocket the standards of living.
Between today and July 14, 2022, super petrol, diesel and kerosene will now retail at KSh 159.12, KSh140 and KSh127.94 per litre in Nairobi.
Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
This development comes at a time with the country is facing a shortage of cooking oil. A few days ago, Pwani Oil, the manufacturer of Freshfri, Salit and Frymate cooking oils temporarily shut down its oil plant due to a shortage of raw materials. The company said it had challenges in accessing enough dollars it requires to pay suppliers of crude oil imports from Malaysia in time. The situation has also been worsened by global stiff competition for raw materials.
Prices of cooking oil have been going up since April 2022, leaving Kenyans with tough choices in their monthly budgets. Prices of other basic commodities like maize flour, salt and sugar have gone up.
Photo: Rubis Energy Kenya (Twitter)
Presidential candidates Raila Odinga and William Ruto have promised to reduce the cost of living if elected into office.
“We must bring to a stop an administration that is burdening wananchi with the high cost of living. Voting for Kenya Kwanza on August 9 means voting for affordable prices of fuel, and food, among other basic commodities,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan government under the patronage of President Uhuru Kenyatta has not responded to the lamentation of citizens over high standards of living.
