Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania: Which Country Has the Cheapest Fuel?

As fuel prices in Kenya rose to record highs in May 2026, many have raised concerns over how the costs compare with those in neighboring East African countries, particularly Uganda and Tanzania.

The Government of Kenya linked the sharp increase in fuel prices to rising global crude oil costs driven by conflict in the Middle East, as well as the depreciation of the Kenyan shilling.

The high fuel prices also triggered a nationwide strike by transport operators, temporarily paralyzing business activities in Nairobi and several other major towns before the strike was suspended to allow negotiations with the government.

Aside from disrupting the transport sector, the rising cost of fuel has hugely contributed to the increasing cost of living, with prices of basic commodities continuing to rise across the country.

Here, Times Digital Kenya compares fuel prices across the three East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Fuel Prices in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania

According to data from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kenya currently has some of the highest fuel prices in the East African region.

In Kenya, diesel costs at around Sh242.92 per litre, while super petrol costs Sh214.25 per litre.

The sharp rise in diesel prices has heavily affected both the transport and agriculture sectors, a situation that is likely to drive up the cost of food and other essential goods.

On the other hand, in Uganda, petrol prices stand at Sh179.74 per litre, while diesel costs Sh174.37 per litre.

Meanwhile, in Tanzania, diesel is selling at Sh211.40 per litre, while super petrol costs Sh205 per litre.

While Kenya currently records the highest fuel prices among the three countries, higher taxation on petroleum products is widely seen as a major factor keeping pump prices elevated compared to its neighbours.

The post Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania: Which Country Has the Cheapest Fuel? appeared first on Times Digital Kenya.