KAMPALA. Fuel is cheapest in Uganda’s capital, Kampala compared to other cities in East African region latest regional pump price survey reveals.
According to the survey, as of today April 15 ,fuel is most expensive in Nairobi, followed by Kigali and Dar es Salaam in that order.
The ranking comes after Kenya raised prices yesterday, with diesel up 40 shillings per litre and petrol, or PMS, up by more than 28 shillings per litre. That adjustment has widened the gap between Nairobi and its neighbours.
“Based on current surveys of Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali, and Dar es Salaam, Kampala now has the most favourable pricing in East Africa,” said Peter Ochieng, a regional fuel marketing consultant. “That’s something for Ugandan consumers to note. It’s always good to comment when things are done well.”
Uganda’s price path
The regional lead comes after six weeks of increases in Uganda, driven by Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. After holding at Shs5,080 for petrol and Shs4,950 for diesel for over a year, Ugandan pumps rose to Shs5,400 and Shs5,350 respectively as of Monday.
Government, through UNOC and MEMD, has reassured the public that supply is “stable and secure,” with a 119-million-litre petrol vessel expected at Mombasa Port today. Dr Patricia Litho of the Ministry of Energy cautioned OMCs against exploiting consumers despite dollar rate pressures at 3720/3730.
Why Kampala is lowest
Ochieng said pump prices track five drivers: international finished product prices, freight and trader premiums, local handling from Mombasa or Dar, exchange rates, and local taxes like excise duty.
“Right now, the landed cost plus tax mix leaves Kampala lower than Nairobi and Kigali, even after Uganda’s recent hikes,” he said. “But this can shift fast if the dollar strengthens or crude spikes.”
Government continues to urge calm and warns against panic buying, stating that fuel reserves are sufficient and pricing trends are being monitored to keep rates “within reasonable and manageable levels.”
Regional price snapshot – 15th April 2026
City Premium Petrol Diesel Notes
• Kampala (Highest) Shs5,400 / Kshs186 Shs5,250 / Kshs181 Cheapest in region
• Dar es Salaam TShs3,820 / Kshs191 TShs3,806 / Kshs190
• Kigali Rwf2,303 / Kshs205 Rwf2,205 / Kshs196
• Nairobi Kshs206.97 Kshs206.84 Most expensive in the region
• Variance vs Nairobi
Comparison Petrol Variance Diesel Variance
• Nairobi/Kampala Kshs20.76 / Shs602 cheaper in Kampala Kshs25.81 / Shs748 cheaper in Kampala
• Nairobi/Dar Kshs16 / TShs319 cheaper in Dar Kshs17 / TShs331 cheaper in Dar
• Nairobi/Kigali Kshs1.89 / Rwf21 cheaper in Kigali Kshs10.49 / Rwf118 cheaper in Kigali
The exchange rates used: Kshs/UGX 29, Kshs/TShs 20, Kshs/RWF 11.23_