Oil & Gas

Murban crude oil prices have declined as Kenya prepares for its next fuel price review. The Central Bank of Kenya reported that Murban crude fell by $1.51 per barrel, from $62.51 (KSh 8,063.79) on December 31, 2025, to $61 (KSh 7,869) on January 8, 2026. The decrease reflects easing global supply-demand pressures following the December festive season, as supply remained adequate and demand softened.

This shift in international oil costs comes just ahead of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) scheduled fuel price announcement on Wednesday, January 14. EPRA will set maximum retail prices for super petrol, diesel, and kerosene in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, and other towns across the country. The decision will consider Murban crude prices, transport costs, and regulatory levies to determine pump prices for the coming month.

Current fuel prices in Kenya have remained steady since December 14, 2025. In Nairobi, super petrol retails at KSh 184.52, diesel at KSh 171.47, and kerosene at KSh 154.78, unchanged from November 2025. Despite fluctuations in international oil costs, EPRA maintained stability to shield consumers from frequent spikes, though past months saw diesel and kerosene rise while super fuel dropped slightly.

Looking at the global picture, Murban crude’s stability coincides with broader market trends. Analysts anticipate that global oil supply will remain adequate, which could keep crude prices subdued and support predictable fuel pricing in Kenya. Meanwhile, geopolitical developments, such as changes in Venezuela’s oil supply, continue to influence long-term global market dynamics and will likely factor into future pricing decisions.