The current 16 percent Value Added Tax on petroleum products will be reviewed “shortly”, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has said.

The CS said the ministry was in the final stage of striking a deal with the National Assembly following discussions which started last week.

“We are looking at options of reviewing it and that discussion is at final stages. I can’t give you any direction at the moment,” Mr Rotich told reporters in Nairobi on Thursday.

The CS did not, however, disclose if the discussions were centred on postponing the unpopular fuel levy for another two years or reducing it.

“Review means exactly that: review.  We will advise you as soon as that is concluded,” he said.

This comes after Kenyans were left in a state of limbo since the levy was enforced on September 1.

Its implementation has seen prices of basic goods and services go up, with some players, especially those in the transport industry, hiking fare charges.

Manufacturers have also threatened to raise the cost of products to factor in additional costs if the levy is upheld.