High Court Bars EPRA From Reviewing Fuel Prices Upward

• Kituo Cha Sheria sued EPRA at the High Court for maintaining high prices of petrol and diesel despite a global decrease in prices
• The High Court barred EPRA from further increasing fuel prices in the upcoming review on December 14
• Kituo Cha Sheria argued that current fuel prices in Kenya have caused widespread economic strain for individuals and businesses

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, leverages more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, providing profound insights into both Kenyan and global economic trends.

The High Court of Kenya has granted conservatory orders preventing EPRA from an upward review of the fuel prices in their monthly review scheduled for December 14.

On December 10, Kituo Cha Sheria moved to court challenging the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority's (EPRA) decision to maintain the high prices of petrol and diesel despite a global decrease in prices.

Annette Mbogoh, the director of legal affairs at Kituo Cha Sheria, asserted that the current fuel prices in Kenya have reached unprecedented levels, causing widespread economic strain for both individuals and businesses.

The court ruling highlighted the petitioner's argument that the exorbitant fuel prices have led to unaffordable transportation costs for both private and public means of transport.

”The petitioner contends that the high fuel prices have resulted in very high and unaffordable transport costs for both private and public means of transport,” read court ruling in part.

The court's conservatory orders will remain in effect pending further legal proceedings, offering temporary relief to the public as the EPRA monthly review nears.

Fuel prices could reach KSh 300

Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir attributed the high fuel prices to the Israel-Hamas conflict during his appearance before the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) and warned that if the conflict persisted, fuel prices could reach KSh 300 in the coming months.

Kituo Cha Sheria contested Chirchir's statement, citing a press release where he claimed the government had implemented measures to shield Kenyans from the impact of high pump prices and accused the Ministry of Energy of neglecting its responsibility to ensure stability in fuel prices.

Kenyans expect EPRA to lower fuel prices

In other related news by TUKO.co.ke, Kenyans called on EPRA to ensure its review on Thursday, December 14, reflects the reduction in global prices.

The majority of them said the regulator should reduce pump prices to a low of KSh 150, as reported in the previous year.

"If EPRA dares to increase fuel prices, we will know we have no government here, just an asylum for kleptos, sadists and looters. Crude oil price as of September 27: $91, Now: $69," @f1fafc3d9790493 said.