KNCCI has challenged the latest fuel price hikes, saying Kenya’s diesel prices rose faster than global crude oil costs, hurting business competitiveness and regional trade.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 15 — The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has challenged the scale of the latest fuel price increases, arguing that domestic cost build-ups are amplifying the impact of global crude oil shocks and weakening Kenya’s business competitiveness.

In a statement issued after EPRA announced new fuel prices for the May 15 to June 14 cycle, KNCCI President Dr Erick Rutto said Kenya’s diesel prices rose disproportionately compared to movements in international crude oil markets.

The Chamber noted that while global crude oil prices increased by approximately 10.7 per cent during the April–May review period, Kenya’s diesel prices rose by 23.5 per cent over the same cycle.

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“This points to the continued role of domestic cost buildup, including taxes, levies, exchange-rate effects, margins and landed product costs,” KNCCI stated on Friday.

The Chamber said the latest diesel increase of Sh46.29 per litre to Sh242.92 is particularly concerning because diesel serves as the backbone of transport, agriculture, logistics, construction, manufacturing, and general trade.

KNCCI further warned that Kenya now remains among the highest-cost fuel markets within the East African region, eroding the country’s competitiveness against neighbouring economies.

According to comparative regional pricing released by the Chamber, Kenya’s diesel price of Sh242.92 per litre is significantly higher than Uganda’s Sh174.37, Tanzania’s Sh211.40, Burundi’s Sh175.20, and Ethiopia’s Sh176.30.

“The comparison shows that Kenya’s diesel price is materially higher than key regional competitors, including Uganda and Tanzania,” the Chamber stated.

KNCCI argued that while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to exert pressure on global oil markets, domestic taxes, levies, exchange rate pressures, landed product costs, and other local charges are worsening the burden on businesses and households.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya