Kenya Fuel Consumption Defies Steep Price Rises in 2026

Kenya's fuel consumption has surged unexpectedly in 2024 despite record-high pump prices and the removal of fuel subsidies, as reported by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Domestic petroleum demand increased 6.94 percent to around 5.84 million cubic meters in the 2024/25 fiscal year, primarily driven by a 2.83 percent fall in consumption during the previous fiscal year and a 1.39 percent rise in diesel use.

Super petrol consumption also grew 1.02 percent to 1.47 million tonnes, marking the first increase in three years. The trend reversal is attributed to lower international prices and heightened economic activity. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption surged 15 percent to 414,861 tonnes, with per-capita consumption rising from 7.0 to 7.9 kilograms.

Kenya functions as a regional fuel hub, importing over 9 million cubic meters of petroleum annually, with 55 percent consumed domestically. The shift from subsidies to taxation has burdened consumers, while households have gradually transitioned from kerosene to LPG. Despite the economic challenges, Kenya's petroleum procurement is increasingly linked to deferred-payment deals with Gulf suppliers, ensuring a steady fuel supply.