John Mbadi Says Fuel Prices Will Remain Until June Review Amid Nationwide Strike
Treasury CS John Mbadi says fuel prices will remain unchanged until the next review on June 14, as the government explores possible subsidy measures amid nationwide transport disruptions and rising public concern over high fuel costs.
National Treasury and Economic Planning CS John Mbadi. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has announced that the current fuel prices will remain in place until the next review scheduled for June 14, 2026, despite growing public outrage and a nationwide transport strike.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, Mbadi attributed the sharp rise in fuel prices to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran in the Gulf region, saying disruptions in global supply channels had pushed up international fuel costs.
According to the CS, the government is closely monitoring the situation and is expected to hold further discussions once President William Ruto returns from Azerbaijan.
“The current prices are a result of global developments affecting fuel supply routes. We are monitoring the situation carefully,” Mbadi said.
He revealed that the government is considering several measures to cushion Kenyans from the high fuel costs ahead of the next fuel review cycle, including the possible use of funds from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL).
“We will look at the subsidy kitty that we have and if that is not sufficient, we will explore other options. We will also review the fuel levy and VAT and determine areas where government expenditure can be reduced,” he stated.
Mbadi further criticized the ongoing strike by transport operators, arguing that the shutdown could worsen the economic situation and reduce the government’s ability to stabilize the market.
“The strike was unnecessary. Stakeholders should engage the government through dialogue because this will only deepen the crisis,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing pressure following the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which increased the price of Super Petrol by Ksh.16.65 per litre and Diesel by Ksh.46.29 per litre, while Kerosene prices remained unchanged.
Under the new prices, motorists in Nairobi are paying Ksh.214.25 for Super Petrol, Ksh.242.92 for Diesel, and Ksh.152.78 for Kerosene.
In Mombasa, Super Petrol now retails at Ksh.211.09 while Diesel costs Ksh.239.64 per litre.
The price increase triggered nationwide protests and a transport sector strike led by the Transport Sector Alliance, which suspended operations involving matatus, cargo transport, ride-hailing services, boda bodas, school buses, and private motorists.
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