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Cooking Oil Price in Kenya per Litre, and How Oil ATMs Sell Smaller Amounts
- KNBS average: about KSh 358/L (July 2026)
- Prices rose through 2026
- Buying by the 20 L lowers cost per litre
- Oil ATMs sell any amount by the shilling
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Cooking Oil Price Trend
| Month (KNBS average, 1 litre salad oil) | Price |
|---|---|
| September 2022 (peak) | about KSh 380 |
| December 2025 | about KSh 343 |
| May 2026 | about KSh 356 |
| July 2026 | about KSh 358 |
Source: KNBS consumer price index reports as published in the press. Prices in your area may differ; the trend matters more than the exact shilling.
What Drives the Price
- Kenya imports most of its edible oil (mainly palm oil), so world prices and the exchange rate matter.
- Shipping and fuel costs.
- Taxes and duties on imported crude oil.
- Packaging: small bottles and sachets cost more per litre than bulk.
Cost per Litre: Bulk vs Small Packs
Retailers buy in 20 L jerricans or larger and sell smaller amounts. To find your cost per litre: jerrican price ÷ 20. Add a margin for transport, losses and profit to set your selling price per litre. Then price smaller amounts in proportion: a KSh 50 sale gets 50 ÷ your price per litre × 1,000 ml.
Worked Example (Illustrative)
If a 20 L jerrican costs a trader KSh 6,600, the cost is KSh 330 per litre. Selling at KSh 360 per litre gives KSh 30 per litre before costs. A shop selling 40 litres a day makes about KSh 1,200 gross a day. Use your own supplier price; see is an oil ATM business profitable.
Cooking Oil ATMs
An oil ATM measures accurately and lets customers buy KSh 20, 50 or 100 worth, which builds daily repeat sales. Calibrate it properly: how to calibrate and set the price.
H-TECH TABLE TOP COOKING OIL ATM (MDF concept)KSh 35,000
Table Top cooking oil vending machine (Mild steel)KSh 38,000
Table Top cooking oil vending machine (stainless steel)KSh 40,000
H-TECH 20 LITRES COOKING OIL VENDING MACHINE (MDF Concept)KSh 71,000
100 Liters cooking oil vending machine (Mild steel)KSh 95,000
100 Liters cooking oil vending machine (Stainless steel)KSh 105,000Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 11 October 2026).
Business guide: cooking oil ATM business in Kenya; how they work: how a cooking oil ATM works.
Watch: Cooking oil ATMs
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of cooking oil per litre in Kenya?
KNBS put the national average at about KSh 358 per litre of salad oil in July 2026.
Why is cooking oil expensive in Kenya?
Kenya imports most edible oil, so world palm oil prices, the exchange rate, shipping and taxes push the price.
How much is a 20 litre jerrican of cooking oil?
It depends on brand and supplier; divide the price by 20 to get your cost per litre.
Is selling loose cooking oil profitable?
It can be, because customers buy small amounts daily; margins depend on your bulk price and volume.
How much is a cooking oil ATM?
Table-top oil ATMs start from about KSh 35,000 on H-TECH’s listings; larger units cost more.