Aston Lukoye
- The prices of super petrol, diesel, and kerosene have been increased by ksh 13, ksh 12, and ksh 11 respectively
- This comes days after the high court suspended the implementation of the finance bill
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has increased the prices of fuel in defiance of a High Court ruling that barred the implementation of the contentious Finance Act, 2023.
The price of super petrol has been increased by Ksh.13.49, pushing the cost of a litre to Ksh.195.53. Diesel and kerosene have gone up by Ksh.12.39 and Ksh.11.96 respectively, to Ksh.179.67 and Ksh.173.44 per litre.
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The increase in fuel prices is expected to have a significant impact on the cost of living in Kenya, with the rate of inflation expected to go up as a result. Critical sectors such as manufacturing, transport, and distribution will also be affected.
The price change by EPRA comes just days after Justice Mugure Thande ruled to suspend the implementation of the Finance Act until the 5th of next month. The ruling followed a petition filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah challenging the law.
Omtatah argued that the Finance Act was unconstitutional because it increased the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 8% to 16%. He also argued that the law did not provide adequate safeguards against corruption.
In her ruling, Justice Thande said that the Finance Act was “discriminatory” and “unfair”. She also said that the law was “not in the public interest”.
Despite the court ruling, EPRA has gone ahead and increased the prices of fuel. The authority has said that it is acting in accordance with the Finance Act, which is still in force until the High Court makes a final ruling on the matter.
The increase in fuel prices is a major blow to Kenyans, who are already struggling with the high cost of living. It is also a setback for the government, which has been trying to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel.
It remains to be seen whether the High Court will uphold Justice Thande’s ruling and strike down the Finance Act. However, in the meantime, Kenyans will have to contend with higher fuel prices.
