Government Extends Temporary Fuel Sulphur Limit Adjustment for Six More Months

The Kenyan government has extended the temporary adjustment of sulphur limits in petrol and diesel for another six months amid continued uncertainty in the global petroleum supply market.

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced the extension on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, saying the decision followed a technical assessment and monitoring of the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

According to Kinyanjui, the extension was approved following a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and a recommendation from the National Standards Council.

Under the new arrangement, petrol and diesel supplied in Kenya will continue to be allowed to contain a maximum sulphur level of 50 milligrams per kilogram (50mg/kg).

The adjustment applies to automotive gas oil, commonly known as diesel, and automotive gasoline, which is petrol.

Kinyanjui explained that the decision was necessary because tensions in the Middle East continue to affect international petroleum supply chains.

He also pointed to possible disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping route used to transport oil from the Middle East to different parts of the world.

The government said extending the temporary measure would allow Kenya to access fuel from more suppliers and reduce the risk of shortages.

Kenya depends heavily on imported petroleum products, making the country vulnerable to international supply disruptions and changes in global oil markets.

The government first introduced the temporary adjustment in April 2026 after concerns emerged over difficulties in sourcing fuel that met the country’s stricter standards.

Previously, Kenya had maintained a maximum sulphur limit of 10mg/kg for petrol and diesel.

Kinyanjui maintained that the latest decision was temporary and aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability while protecting the country’s economic stability.

The government will review the adjustment after six months or earlier if international petroleum supply conditions improve.

The move is expected to give fuel importers more flexibility as Kenya continues to deal with challenges in the international oil market.https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1QZzmP8mSE/

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