Kenyans are set to experience a prolonged wait for more affordable cooking gas, following the government's confirmation that a highly anticipated agreement with a Saudi Arabian firm has unfortunately collapsed. This setback effectively stalls a crucial government initiative aimed at boosting the supply of cooking gas within the country and, consequently, lowering its retail prices for consumers.

Adding to the burden on households, the government has recently implemented a significant increase in the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) specifically on cooking gas. The levy has been raised from Sh0.40 per kilogramme to Sh5.40 per kilogramme. This substantial increase in the PDL is poised to directly translate into higher overall costs for households across the nation.

The dual impact of the collapsed deal and the elevated levy raises significant concerns, particularly regarding its potential socio-economic repercussions. Experts fear that the increased costs of cooking gas could compel a considerable number of households, especially those in lower-income brackets, to revert to the use of less clean and environmentally harmful alternative fuels such as charcoal and firewood. This shift could have detrimental effects on public health and deforestation efforts.

These developments came to light during the appearance of Energy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Opiyo Wandayi before the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget. CS Wandayi presented this information at Parliament on March 31, 2026, outlining the challenges and policy changes impacting the energy sector and, specifically, the availability and pricing of cooking gas.