A large section of Kenyans reliant on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene for cooking will have to dig deeper into their pockets to afford the commodities or explore other alternatives.

This comes Kenyans are grappling with the harsh effects of inflation which reached the 9 per cent mark in January.

Reports indicate a 13kg cylinder of gas will cost Sh403 more while the 6kg one will cost Sh 186 more. 

The prices of cylinders have also increased and a 6kg cylinder that retailed for Sh1,800 now goes for Sh2,600 while the 13kg cylinder that retailed for Sh2,600 shot up to Sh3,100 in the city.

According to notifications of several gas retailers, the gas prices have increased by up to Sh500 which is equivalent to a 30 per cent increment.

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The retailers cited government regulations as a reason for the sharp increase in the gas prices.

“Due to government regulations, gas prices have increased. In case of a reduction, we will let you know,” the message read.

Other traders in the sector blamed the rise of LPG prices on the Kenyan Shilling continuous loss against the US Dollar, which has hit a monumental low of Sh125 uniter per US dollar.

Several Kenyans have therefore resorted to cheaper options of energy such as charcoal, firewood or kerosene for their daily needs.

This has severely affected the sector, forcing some traders pause their businesses as the flow of customers has significantly reduced.