Kenyans Given Six-Month Update on Petrol and Diesel Sulphur Levels

The Kenyan government has announced a six-month extension of temporary higher sulphur limits in petrol and diesel, citing growing uncertainty in international petroleum markets and concerns over possible fuel supply disruptions.

The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, following a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and a recommendation by the National Standards Council.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui explained that the extension was necessary to protect the country from potential fuel shortages caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruptions affecting global petroleum supply chains.

According to the government, instability in the Middle East, particularly tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, has continued to create uncertainty in international oil transportation and supply networks.

The government says allowing higher sulphur levels will enable Kenya to access fuel from a wider range of international suppliers, reducing the possibility of disruptions affecting local availability.

Under the temporary arrangement, the maximum permitted sulphur content in petrol and diesel will remain at 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).

The limits apply under the Kenyan standards KS EAS 158:2025 for petrol and KS EAS 177:2025 for automotive gas oil (diesel).

Kinyanjui maintained that the decision was not a permanent change to Kenya’s fuel quality requirements but an emergency measure intended to maintain uninterrupted supplies and protect economic stability.

The ministry further indicated that the arrangement would be reviewed after six months or earlier if international petroleum supply conditions improve.

The announcement comes as motorists and other fuel consumers await the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s next monthly fuel price review, scheduled for November 14, 2026.

The extension is likely to attract public attention because fuel quality and availability remain important concerns for motorists, transport operators and businesses that depend heavily on petroleum products.

For now, the government insists that maintaining reliable fuel supplies remains its priority as Kenya navigates uncertainty in the international energy market.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/business-economy/energy/646498-govt-explains-kenya-extending-higher-sulphur-levels-petrol-diesel-6-months/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAViNi9jbGNrBWI1imV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEfJbWuGvpFV-Fwy3U2Se9AVgUlCSzjGtrOhnadLMlADW-ANlB-_72QxzkdwkY_aem_KDaxluYun72bngNRIeiVaA

Musyokasam feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com