Good News for Kenyan Motorists as Government Makes Major Decision on Fuel Standards

The Kenyan government has extended a temporary adjustment to sulphur limits in petrol and diesel for another six months as uncertainty in international oil markets continues to threaten petroleum supply chains.

The decision, announced by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, follows a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and a recommendation by the National Standards Council.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the extension was informed by continued geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and disruptions affecting the international petroleum market.

The government pointed to challenges surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route through which substantial volumes of the world’s oil supplies are transported. Disruptions along the passage have raised concerns about the availability and movement of petroleum products in international markets.

Under the extended arrangement, petrol and diesel will continue to be allowed to contain a maximum sulphur concentration of 50 milligrams per kilogram (50mg/kg).

The limits apply to Automotive Gasoline under the KS EAS 158:2025 standard and Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, under KS EAS 177:2025.

The adjustment is intended to give Kenya access to a wider range of petroleum products that meet the temporary requirements, reducing the risk of supply interruptions if international sourcing becomes difficult.

According to the ministry, maintaining sufficient fuel supplies is important for protecting economic stability, particularly when global developments affect the availability of petroleum products.

However, the government has clarified that the arrangement is temporary and will not remain in place indefinitely.

The ministry said the adjustment would be assessed again when the six-month period expires. Authorities may also review it earlier if conditions in the international petroleum market improve.

The extension means the temporary sulphur limits will remain applicable for another six months as Kenya monitors developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on fuel imports.

The decision does not announce an increase or reduction in pump prices. Instead, it focuses on maintaining access to petroleum supplies amid uncertainty in the global oil market.

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