Kenyans have expressed their anger after the government announced sky-high fuel prices on Thursday night.
For the first time in history, the prices of fuel rose by as high as Sh20 per litre with the big jump expected to have far-reaching consequences to households.
In the review, the price of petrol is up by almost Sh17 per litre while that of diesel has increased by about Sh21.32 per litre.
"The maximum allowed petroleum pump prices in Nairobi are as follows: Super Petrol increases by Sh16.96, Diesel increases by Sh21.32 per litre and Kerosene increases by Sh33.13 per litre," Epra announced on Thursday.
"The prices are inclusive of the 16 per cent Value Added Tax in line with the provision of the Finance Act 2023."
The rise comes after the government scrapped fuel subsidies and insisted that it would allow market forces to dictate the costs in the country.
However, angry Kenyans took to social media to express their dismay at the sharp rise in fuel prices saying that would pain them more.
Some told Kenyans to enjoy their own medicine after voting for the Kenya Kwanza administration despite warnings.
Government-allied bloggers defended the government saying the latest prices are in line with global scenarios that are witnessing high prices of fuel.
President Uhuru Kenyatta warned us but we never listened!
— Alinur Mohamed (@AlinurMohamed_) September 15, 2023
So don't complain that EPRA has increased Kerosene by Kes 33.13 to Kes 202.61/litre, Super by Kes 16.96 to Kes 211.64/litre and Diesel by Kes 21.32 to Kes 200.9/litre. pic.twitter.com/iRmhyfa2fs
Others called on Opposition leader Raila Odinga to speak up about the latest increase in fuel prices amid fears the hike would trigger high commodity prices.
Blogger Pauline Njoroge regretted that the prices had skyrocketed to an all-time high over the last year.
Uhuru left petrol pump price at ksh 159 just a year ago. From midnight today, it will be selling at ksh 211. Ni maombi, si uchawi!!
— Pauline Njoroge, HSC (@paulinenjoroge) September 14, 2023
On top of iPhone users sharing chargers now with Tecno users, they just increased petrol prices like that?
— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) September 15, 2023
The week has been very rough for some of us.
But, Yesu Ni Bwana! pic.twitter.com/cISyPEZ8oq
PRICES OF Super petrol, diesel and kerosene increases as follows:
— U D A - Official Fans Page. (@UDAPartyKe) September 15, 2023
Kerosene by Kes 33.13 to Kes 202.61/litre.
Super by Kes 16.96 to Kes 211.64/litre.
Diesel by Kes 21.32 to Kes 200.9/litre.
NOTE: #RealityCheck fuel prices have risen to record high across the world. pic.twitter.com/AWoc6jlB9B
On social media X, formerly Twitter, user @omwambaKE called on opposition chief Raila Odinga to stop keeping quiet about the fresh pain on Kenyans.
Charles Keter aside,
— Omwamba 🇰🇪 (@omwambaKE) September 14, 2023
Yaani EPRA has just announced new fuel prices at this ungodly hours where Super petrol has gone up by Ksh 16.96 to Ksh 211 here in Nairobi as from tonight, Diesel up by Ksh 21.32, Kerosene up by Ksh 33.13 and Baba Raila Odinga is keeping quiet. Freedom is…