Kenya extends temporary fuel sulphur limit for six months amid global supply uncertainty

An attendant fuels a car/ FILE‎The government has extended by another six months the temporary adjustment of sulphur limits in petrol and diesel, citing continued geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and disruptions to global petroleum supply chains.

‎The decision allows fuel supplied in Kenya to contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of sulphur per kilogram (50mg/kg), extending a temporary measure introduced to widen the country’s access to fuel supplies and guard against potential shortages.

‎In a notice, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the extension followed a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and a recommendation by the National Standards Council.

‎“The decision follows a technical assessment and monitoring of the continuing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and related disruptions affecting global petroleum supply chains, including the Strait of Hormuz,” Kinyanjui said.

‎The adjustment applies to two fuel standards: KS EAS 177:2025, which governs automotive gas oil (diesel), and KS EAS 158:2025, covering automotive gasoline, commonly known as premium motor spirit (petrol).

‎Kinyanjui said the decision was informed by a technical assessment and continued monitoring of international petroleum markets, particularly disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

‎The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes, remains a major concern for energy-importing countries amid geopolitical uncertainty.

‎The government said the temporary adjustment would give Kenya access to a wider range of compliant fuel sources at a time when disruptions to international supply chains could affect availability.

‎”The decision follows a technical assessment and monitoring of the continuing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and related disruptions affecting global petroleum supply chains, including the Strait of Hormuz,” Kinyanjui said.

‎He added that the extension was intended to widen available sources of compliant fuel and safeguard the country against supply shortages.

‎The move comes as Kenya remains exposed to fluctuations in international oil prices and supply disruptions because it relies heavily on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand.

‎Any prolonged disruption to shipments through major international shipping routes could affect the cost and availability of petroleum products, with possible consequences for transport, manufacturing, agriculture and the wider economy.

‎Fuel prices are particularly sensitive to international market movements because petroleum products account for a significant share of Kenya’s import expenditure and influence the cost of transporting goods and delivering services.

‎The government said the adjustment was a temporary intervention aimed at maintaining uninterrupted fuel availability and protecting economic stability.

‎The extension will remain in force for six months, after which authorities will review the measure.

‎It may also be reconsidered earlier if international supply conditions improve.

‎The latest decision effectively gives fuel suppliers additional flexibility in sourcing petroleum products while maintaining the specified sulphur ceiling under the temporary arrangement.

‎Sulphur content is an important fuel quality parameter because burning sulphur-containing fuels releases sulphur dioxide, a pollutant associated with respiratory problems and environmental damage.

‎The temporary adjustment therefore raises the importance of balancing energy security and affordability with environmental and public health considerations.

‎The government has maintained that the measure is driven by exceptional international supply conditions rather than a permanent change to Kenya’s fuel quality standards.

‎Kinyanjui said the six-month review period would allow authorities to assess developments in global petroleum markets and determine whether the temporary adjustment remains necessary.