NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 14 – The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has increased pump prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene for mid-August to mid-September citing a weaker Shilling and marginally higher international fuel costs.
The shilling has lost about 15 percent against the dollar this year, and touched an all-time low of 95.10 against the dollar, on Tuesday.
Starting Monday, Super petrol will go up by Sh1.28 to Sh117.22 a litre, with Regular to retail at Sh116.71 a litre.
With the inflation rate rising for the ninth straight month in July to 15.5 percent, fuel prices continue to follow suit affecting Kenyan pockets.
According to the Commission the international prices of both crude oil and refined petroleum products have been unstable since June of this year causing upward and downward swings.
Kerosene will see an increase of Sh2.80 selling at Sh88.96 a litre, while diesel jumps up by Sh2.86 to Sh108.97 a litre.
With most Kenyans heavily dependent on diesel for transportation, power generation and agriculture and kerosene used in majority of homes around the country, the rise in the prices could push the inflation rate higher.
However, Director General of the Commission Kaburu Mwirichia, said in order “to cushion Kerosene consumers from rising international prices the Commission has maintained a lower maximum allowed wholesale margin for Kerosene at Sh4 a litre instead of Sh6.”
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