Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has signalled that Kenyans could see lower pump prices in the November-December review, with the government planning to draw on the fuel stabilisation fund that it left untouched in October. Mbadi gave no figure for any cut. Current Nairobi prices, set by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), run to November 14, and the next cycle starts on November 15.
By the 254.ke Newsroom. Updated November 4, 2026.
What did Mbadi say about fuel prices?
Speaking in an interview on Ramogi FM on Tuesday, November 3, Mbadi said the government did not use the stabilisation fund in the October review so that it could be used in the November one. “It is a balancing act,” he said, according to Kenyans.co.ke.
He also said fuel prices could rise in November because Europe and other Western markets are heading into winter and energy demand is climbing. “We do not want fuel prices to increase significantly,” he said. Kenya Today carried the same account of his remarks.
Mbadi defended the levies on petroleum products, arguing that scrapping them without replacement revenue would leave gaps in road funding. He pointed to the Road Maintenance Levy, saying bad roads raise what motorists spend on fuel even when pump prices fall.
What are fuel prices in Nairobi right now?
EPRA’s published schedule for October 15 to November 14, 2026 puts Nairobi prices at the levels below. They rose sharply from the previous cycle.
| Fuel (Nairobi, per litre) | Sep 15 – Oct 14 | Oct 15 – Nov 14 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super petrol | Sh214.03 | Sh226.96 | +Sh12.93 |
| Diesel | Sh217.86 | Sh227.76 | +Sh9.90 |
| Kerosene | Sh191.38 | Sh219.87 | +Sh28.49 |
Source: EPRA pump prices schedule, checked November 4, 2026. Our earlier report covers the October increase in full.
What is the fuel stabilisation fund?
The fund pays a subsidy to oil marketers so that retail prices do not jump as sharply when import costs climb. Mbadi described it as money “we use to stabilise the prices”, separate from the value-added tax charged on fuel. Because the government held it back in October, the full cushion is available for the next review, though Mbadi did not say how much the fund holds.
When is the next EPRA fuel price review?
The current schedule ends on November 14, and EPRA announces new maximum prices for the following cycle ahead of the 15th. Neither report on Mbadi’s interview gave a firm announcement date. The new prices will apply from November 15.
What is known and what is not?
- Known: Mbadi said the fund was saved in October for use in November, and that the government wants to avoid a significant increase.
- Not stated: the size of any cut, the amount left in the fund, and whether prices will fall or only hold steady.
- Risk he flagged: higher winter energy demand abroad could push import costs up in November.
The October increase has already fed through to household costs. Transport was one of the biggest drivers in the latest October inflation figures, and fuel dealers have clashed with the regulator over pricing, as in the dispute covered in fuel dealers threaten shutdown over EPRA price breaches.
Frequently asked questions
Will fuel prices fall in Kenya in November 2026?
Possibly. Mbadi said the government plans to use the stabilisation fund to reduce prices in the November-December review, but he also warned that global energy costs could rise. EPRA has not yet announced the new prices.
How much is petrol in Nairobi now?
Super petrol is Sh226.96 a litre, diesel Sh227.76 and kerosene Sh219.87, valid until November 14, 2026.
When do new fuel prices take effect?
EPRA’s cycles run from the 15th of one month to the 14th of the next, so new prices are due from November 15.
Why didn’t the government use the fund in October?
Mbadi said the fund was left untouched in October to preserve it for the November review.
