COFEK calls for suspension of new fuel, LPG levies

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 26 – Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has called for the immediate suspension of the Petroleum Development Levy (Amendment) Order, 2025, citing lack of public participation and rising cost pressures on consumers.

The levy introduced a charge of Sh5,400 per 1,000 litres on motor spirit, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products, as well as Sh5,400 per 1,000 kilogram of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

COFEK argues the order, which was gazetted in November 2025, was implemented without parliamentary debate or stakeholder consultation, violating constitutional requirements on transparency and public participation.

“This is a direct affront to Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya,” said Stephen Mutoro.

The lobby warned that the levy could trigger wider economic effects, particularly in transport and manufacturing sectors, as higher fuel costs are passed on to consumers.

It also raised concerns that taxing LPG undermines the government’s clean cooking agenda by making the alternative less affordable for households.

COFEK is now pushing for a comprehensive audit of all fuel-related taxes to streamline levies into a more transparent and consumer-friendly framework.

The group further urged the government and the National Assembly of Kenya to ensure any future changes to petroleum levies are subjected to parliamentary approval and public scrutiny.