Moses Kuria 'apologises' for remarks on fuel price hikes till February

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has responded to criticism over his comments last week that Kenyans should expect even higher prices at the pump in the coming months.

In the wake of all-time high fuel prices announced by the government on Thursday, Kuria said fuel prices in the country will continue to rise by at least Ksh.10 every month until February next year, sparking uproar among Kenyans.

Among them is Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who accused CS Kuria of arrogance. He called on President William Ruto to sack the minister alongside Energy CS Davis Chirchir and his economic advisors for the fuel price hike.

Through a post on X, Kuria early Wednesday morning said, “I have since been advised by people like Dr Boni Khalwale and his master that the statement was incorrect, insensitive and arrogant.”

In the seemingly tongue-in-cheek post, the CS added; “I am made to now understand that the price will come down. I apologise profusely since to err is human.”

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority last week announced that Super Petrol prices have now increased by Ksh.16.96, Diesel by Ksh.21.32, while Kerosene climbs the highest by Ksh.33.13 per litre.

The Authority’s Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria noted that the increased prices were due to the weighted average cost of imported refined petroleum products.

The changes made Super Petrol in Nairobi will start retailing at Ksh.211.64, Diesel at Ksh.200.99, and Kerosene at Ksh.202.61 per litre.

The rates per litre in Mombasa are; Super Petrol (Ksh.208.58), Diesel (Ksh.197.93) and Kerosene (Ksh.199.54) while in Kisumu; Super Petrol (Ksh.211.40), Diesel (Ksh.201.16) and Kerosene (Ksh.202.77).