Telcos sound alarm as high fuel prices threaten mobile calls, data costs

Mobile network operators across Africa are alarmed by rising fuel costs, which increase operational expenses and threaten connectivity and the affordability of voice and data services. The GSMA states that the Iran war has triggered fuel price increases in many African countries, including Kenya. Safaricom and Airtel, which rely on diesel to power their masts, are particularly affected. Safaricom used 10.4 million litres of fuel in the 12 months to March 2025, up from 9.7 million litres the previous year.