Kenya raises fuel taxes to curb soaring government spending amid Middle East conflict
Kenya increased official petrol and diesel prices by 20% and 31% to limit rising public expenditures linked to the Middle East war, pushing September inflation to a near-three-year high.
In response to escalating costs from the Middle East conflict, Kenya lifted state-mandated fuel prices, setting petrol 20% above pre-war levels and diesel 31% higher. The move aims to restrain a surge in government spending and has driven September inflation to its highest rate in almost three years. Across the continent, higher fuel costs are sparking hardship, with motorists in Malawi camping at stations and South African households turning to unsafe energy alternatives.
Why it matters
Higher fuel costs strain household budgets and can trigger broader economic and social unrest across Africa.
In this story
