Kenyans seeking relief at the pump will find a mixed bag in the latest fuel price review announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has officially announced the maximum retail prices of petroleum products for the period from Monday to 14th August 2024.

While the maximum retail prices for petrol, diesel, and kerosene have decreased, a significant hike in the Road Maintenance Levy throws a wrench into those savings.

This comes despite public assurances from former Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen that the Road Maintenance Levy would remain at Sh18 per litre.

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EPRA, however, has implemented a Sh7 increase, bringing the new levy to Sh25 per litre.

According to the press release, "In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump price for Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene decrease by Sh1.00 per litre, Sh1.50 per litre and Sh1.30 per litre respectively."

This adjustment is in accordance with Section 101(y) of the Petroleum Act 2019 and Legal Notice No.192 of 2022. It also includes the 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020, and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation under Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.

Further details on the cost structure reveal that "The average landed cost of imported Super Petrol decreased by 4.65 per cent from US$750.95 per cubic metre in May 2024 to US$716.03 per cubic metre in June 2024; Diesel decreased by 1.19 per cent from US$690.99 per cubic metre to US$682.73 per cubic metre while Kerosene increased by 2.01 per cent from US$679.14 per cubic metre to US$692.80 per cubic metre."

This decrease reflects a global trend, with the average landed cost of imported fuel dropping.

EPRA's decision aligns with Kenya's Petroleum Act and incorporates various taxes, including the 16 per cent VAT.

The decision to increase the Road Maintenance Levy has generated significant public concern, contrasting sharply with the earlier assurances from the former Roads CS.

The public outcry is focused on the levy increase.

The Sh7 jump directly contradicts earlier assurances and raises concerns about the rising cost of living and transportation.

This mixed news is likely to spark debate in the coming weeks.

Kenyans will weigh the benefit of slightly cheaper fuel against the burden of a higher Road Maintenance Levy, with the ultimate impact on their wallets yet to be determined.