Fuel stations in Machakos town have adjusted prices for the three major petroleum brands after the government announced a reduction in pump prices on Monday.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced new fuel prices that saw the prices of petrol, Diesel, and kerosene reduce by between sh 10 and sh 3.
Majority of the petrol stations KNA visited indicated that most retailers had already complied with the new directive which came as a huge relief to both motorists and the public following 2018’s eight percent hike in fuel tax.
ERC reduced the price of petrol by sh 9.33 per liter, diesel by sh 10.04 while the cost of kerosene came down by sh 3.52 per liter.
Prior to the new prices, a liter of petrol in Machakos was going for sh 113.60 per litre, diesel was selling at sh 112.40 per litre and kerosene was retailing at sh 105.35 per.
Currently the price of petrol in Machakos is retailing at sh 104.34 per litre, diesel sh 100.37 per litre, and kerosene will be sold at sh 101.83 per litre.
John Mangaya a supervisor at the Oil Libya petrol station has welcomed the new prices but urged ERC to retain the prices at a reasonable level.
He said the constant increase in fuel prices was not only affecting vehicle owners but also the common rural folk who depend on kerosene for lighting and cooking.
“We are delighted with the new reduced prices and call upon the government to set the cost of fuel at a level that the common person can afford. Increasing the cost of petroleum products not only affects motorists but has a direct impact on the common person who also depends on kerosene for lighting and cooking,” he pointed out.
Kenol and Shell petrol stations have also adhered to the new fuel prices as announced by the Commission.
On his part, George Kaminja a motorist says that he is contented and happy about the fuel fluctuations, and says he expects the fuel prices to be lowered more in coming days.
But Hiram Macharia a driver with Makos Sacco who plies the Machakos -Wote route claimed he bought the petrol at sh 113.60 at 6.00 am as the Petrol Station he visited was yet to adjust its pump prices.
But when asked whether they were ready to reduce fares for their passengers, Vincent Munyao who is a PSV driver said it would not be prudent to do so as the new prices may only be there for a short time.
By Samuel Maina and Naum Ndila
