EPRA says drones hit two Kenya-bound fuel tankers, warns pump prices may rise further

Drones have hit two tankers carrying fuel to Kenya and immobilised their engines, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) told Members of Parliament. The regulator also warned that pump prices could climb further.

EPRA Director General Edward Kinyua gave the account to the National Assembly's Special Funds Accounts Committee, the Eastleigh Voice, a Kenyan news site, reported on 19 October 2026. He said the cargo on both vessels remains safe. Moving it to other ships is expected to take about 60 days, so deliveries may be delayed.

Kinyua said the government is relying on its government-to-government arrangement with Saudi oil suppliers to protect fuel supplies, and that he hoped the tensions would end. He linked the attacks to rising tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying Saudi vessels were being targeted.

The Standard, a Kenyan daily, reported that EPRA warned the Middle East conflict and attacks on Kenya-bound fuel vessels could drive prices higher, and that importers had been pushed to look for alternative sources, reportedly at higher cost.

Kinyua said prices could rise further in the winter season, depending on developments in the region. He said Kenya's prices remain competitive with those of neighbouring countries.

EPRA announced its latest price rise on 14 October. It put up the maximum retail price of super petrol by KSh 12.93 a litre, diesel by KSh 9.90 and kerosene by KSh 28.49. In Nairobi, super petrol now sells at up to KSh 226.96 a litre and diesel at up to KSh 227.76, both about US$1.75 at the Central Bank of Kenya's 19 October rate of KSh 129.92 to the dollar. The petrol rise of KSh 12.93 is about US$0.10. The prices apply from 15 October to 14 November 2026. Kinyua linked the increases to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi spoke to the media in Kisumu on 19 October, The Star reported. He said Kenya has not run out of fuel since the Middle East war began and credited the government-to-government import framework. "I don't think there is any single day we have lacked petrol at our stations," he said. "As a government, we are very concerned that the public continues to bear the brunt of the war that is raging in the Middle East."

Two tankers bound for Kenya were reportedly hit by drone strikes in the Strait of Hormuz on 18 October, The Star said. The government continues to use the petroleum stabilisation fund to cushion consumers against rising international oil prices.

Wandayi also cited the cut in VAT on petroleum products to 8%. The National Assembly passed the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which keeps the 8% rate on petrol, diesel and kerosene for another 90 days instead of reverting to the standard VAT rate of 16%, the Kenyan news site Kenyans.co.ke reported on 15 October. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, who sponsored the bill, said the Treasury Cabinet Secretary could extend the relief by a further three months if the Middle East conflict continues, for up to six months in total. President William Ruto signed the bill into law at Eldoret State Lodge on 16 October.

Matatu Owners Association president Albert Karakacha said operators would pass the higher costs on to commuters. "We are businessmen, we will pass it on to the consumer," he said, as quoted by The Star on 16 October. The association said it would hold an urgent meeting to decide its response.