How EPRA sets prices
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) sets maximum retail pump prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene in Kenya every month, effective from the 14th. Prices vary slightly by region (Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, etc) reflecting inland transport cost. Stations cannot legally exceed the EPRA cap but can sell below.
Approximate consumption guide
- Small saloon (1.3L petrol): 8 to 11 L/100km city, 6 to 8 L/100km highway
- Medium SUV (2.0L petrol): 10 to 14 L/100km city
- Large SUV (2.5L diesel): 9 to 12 L/100km city
- Pickup (2.5L diesel): 10 to 14 L/100km loaded
- Boda boda (motorcycle): 2 to 3 L/100km
Worked example (Nairobi commuter, 2026)
A 1.5L Toyota Vitz driven 40 km round-trip five days per week averages ~800 km per month in city traffic. At 9 L/100km city, that is ~72 litres per month. At an EPRA petrol price near KES 195 per litre in Nairobi (verify the current monthly notice), monthly fuel spend is roughly 72 × 195 = KES 14,040. A 2.0L Toyota Fielder on the same route (12 L/100km) would be closer to KES 18,720. Annualised, that is KES 168,000 vs KES 224,000, a KES 56,000 delta that matters when comparing vehicles to buy.
How it is calculated
Monthly fuel cost = (monthly km / 100) × consumption L/100km × price per litre. We do not adjust for terrain, load, or aircon use; conservative drivers should use the low end of the consumption band, aggressive drivers or hilly routes the high end.
Reducing fuel cost
- Maintain tyre pressure at recommended PSI (drops 1 to 3% efficiency if low)
- Service regularly (clean filters and plugs improve combustion)
- Smooth driving, avoid hard acceleration and braking
- Reduce idle time
- Carpool or combine errands