By Bernard Munyao
Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has urged the government and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to ensure fuel prices remain stable despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking yesterday during the launch of a new Office of the Assistant County Commissioner in Kahuro, Murang’a County, Nyoro said the country currently has adequate fuel stocks that were procured before the recent surge in global oil prices. He argued that this should prevent any immediate increase in pump prices.
According to the legislator, Kenyans should not be forced to bear additional financial burdens arising from global political developments when the fuel currently available in the country was purchased earlier at relatively lower prices.
Nyoro called on the government to be transparent in the fuel pricing formula and avoid passing unnecessary costs to consumers. He warned that any increase in fuel prices would further worsen the already high cost of living affecting many households across the country.
The MP also urged the government to scrap the KSh7 fuel levy introduced in 2024 as well as the eight percent Value Added Tax imposed on petroleum products in 2022. He said the two charges have significantly increased the financial pressure on ordinary Kenyans.
“The additional taxes and levies on fuel are unfair to citizens who are already struggling to meet their daily needs,” Nyoro said.
Nyoro further cautioned the government against using global tensions, including the ongoing conflicts involving Iran, as a justification for raising fuel prices locally. He noted that similar explanations have previously been given for fuel price increases even when international market trends did not necessarily support such adjustments.
The lawmaker observed that historically, when global oil prices decline, Kenyan consumers do not immediately benefit from lower pump prices. However, when international prices rise, the increases are often reflected quickly in the local market.
He cited the example of 2022 when a barrel of crude oil traded at about 100 US dollars while Kenyans continued to pay high prices for fuel at the pump.
Nyoro warned that any further increase in fuel prices would have widespread economic consequences since petroleum products are central to transportation, manufacturing and food production.
He explained that higher fuel prices would automatically lead to increased transportation costs, which would then push up the prices of essential goods and services across the economy.
The MP said the government must prioritise protecting citizens from economic shocks and ensure that policies in the energy sector are designed with the interests of ordinary Kenyans in mind.
He cautioned that poor management of fuel pricing could push many households into deeper financial hardship, noting that many Kenyans are already struggling with the high cost of living.
“As leaders, we must be sensitive to the struggles of ordinary wananchi. Any increase in fuel prices will directly raise the cost of living and affect millions of families,” Nyoro said.
Nyoro urged the government and EPRA to review the current tax structure on petroleum products and introduce measures that will cushion citizens from further economic strain.
He maintained that stabilising fuel prices would ease pressure on households and businesses, adding that global conflicts should not be used as an excuse for policies that place additional financial burdens on Kenyans.
Mt Kenya Times 
John Kamau