Kenya raised the maximum retail prices of petrol and ​diesel on Wednesday, the energy ‌regulator said, citing higher import costs linked to the conflict in the ​Middle East.

Kenya hiked petrol prices ​by 6% and diesel prices by ⁠4.5%, with the East African ​nation relying on the Middle ​East region for nearly all of its fuel supplies

A litre of diesel will cost ​227.76 Kenyan shillings ($1.76) in the ​capital city of Nairobi, from 217.86 shillings, ‌while ⁠kerosene will rise to 219.87 shillings from 191.38 shillings between October 15 and November 14, when new prices ​will be ​announced.

The energy ⁠regulator said the government extended a reduction in value-added tax ​on fuel to 8% from ​16% ⁠until January 14.

Fuel prices affect multiple sectors including transport, agriculture and construction.

($1 = ⁠129.6000 ​Kenyan shillings)