Kenya's Cabinet resolved to continue paying fuel subsidies in a program that has softened the blow of increasing prices while further straining public finances.

Fuel prices have surged to about $110 per barrel this year from as low as $40 in 2020, warranting the support for consumers, the Cabinet said in a statement issued by the presidency on Thursday. It didn't give details on how long the program would remain.

The decision comes after the East African nation bore the brunt of the severe shortages at filling stations last month as the government delayed subsidy payments to oil marketing companies.

(With input from agencies)