Fuel prices have a significant impact on the overall rate of price growth in east Africa’s biggest economy as many people rely on kerosene for lighting and cooking as well as on diesel and super petrol for transport.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said the increase was due to the political unrest in North Africa and parts of the Middle East, which has sent international oil prices higher.

The ERC raised the price of super petrol in the capital Nairobi by 4.18 shillings ($0.048) to 115.35 shillings, and increased that of diesel in the capital by 2.58 shillings to 108.02 shillings per liter.

Kerosene in the capital rose by 3.88 shillings to 92.61 shillings per liter.

However, the ERC said international oil prices were decreasing, sending refined petroleum product prices lower, and any such changes would be passed on to consumers.

The surging costs of fuel, bread and flour have driven up other costs like transport and electricity, and sent the inflation rate into double digits.

In annual terms, inflation rose for the sixth month in a row to 12.05 percent year-on-year in April from 9.19 percent in March, putting basic items out of reach for many Kenyans.

Kenya’s main union said on Wednesday it would call a strike in 21 days unless the government raised wages further to help workers cope with rising food and fuel prices.