Cooking gas — LPG — is now the main cooking fuel for most urban Kenyan households. But unlike petrol, LPG prices are not regulated, which means they vary between suppliers, between towns, and sometimes between the same station week to week.
Here’s what you need to know about LPG cooking gas prices in Kenya right now.
Current LPG prices in Kenya
The best place to check current LPG cylinder prices in Kenya is Legit Index KE — a free community price tracker updated by Kenyans who have recently bought gas.
Legit Index tracks:
- 6kg cylinder refill price — for singles, couples and small flats
- 13kg cylinder refill price — for families of 4–6
- 22.5kg cylinder refill price — for large families, restaurants, caterers
These are refill prices — what you pay to fill an empty cylinder you already own, not the cost of a brand new cylinder.
Why LPG prices vary so much
Unlike petrol and diesel (which EPRA regulates), LPG prices in Kenya are set freely by suppliers. This creates significant price variation:
Between brands: Total Energies, Rubis, Gulf Energy, Hashi, and ProGas all set their own prices. Gulf and Hashi are often cheaper in Nairobi than Total for the same cylinder size.
Between towns: Mombasa and Coast region suppliers often have different prices from Nairobi. Towns further from the port tend to have higher prices due to transport costs.
Between months: Global LPG prices fluctuate with energy markets. Unlike fuel which has a fixed review calendar, LPG prices can change any time.
Refill vs new cylinder: what’s the difference?
When you buy LPG for the first time, you pay:
- Cylinder deposit — one-time cost (ownership fee for the physical cylinder)
- Gas refill — cost of the LPG to fill it
When you come back to refill, you only pay for the gas. The cylinder deposit is often refunded if you return the cylinder, though not all suppliers operate this way.
This is important when comparing prices between brands — if one brand offers a cheaper refill but charges more for the initial cylinder, the total cost may be higher.
How to save money on cooking gas in Kenya
1. Compare refill prices before you commit to a brand
Once you buy one brand’s cylinder, you are generally tied to that brand for refills. Check Legit Index KE to compare current prices before buying your first cylinder.
2. Buy the right size
A 13kg cylinder is usually cheaper per kg of gas than a 6kg cylinder. If your household uses gas regularly, the larger cylinder saves money in the long run.
3. Avoid buying from unverified online sellers
LPG is a regulated product — only licensed suppliers should be selling it. Buying cooking gas from unverified online sellers (especially on Instagram and WhatsApp) risks receiving under-filled or unsafe cylinders. Always buy from a licensed petrol station or official supplier outlet. For any product you’re buying online, verify the seller first at Legit Check KE.
Is there a subsidy on cooking gas in Kenya?
Kenya has not had a consistent LPG subsidy, although the government has at times waived import taxes on LPG to reduce prices. The current tax position on LPG can affect prices significantly — watch for announcements in budget statements that may affect cooking gas costs.
Track LPG prices with Legit Index KE
Legit Index KE is free and tracks LPG prices alongside petrol, food, and electricity token prices. If you’ve recently bought cooking gas, you can also submit the price you paid to help other Kenyans know what to expect.
Leave a Reply