The government has extended a temporary change to sulphur limits in petrol and diesel by six months. Fuel supplied in Kenya can now contain up to 50 milligrams of sulphur per kilogram. The aim is to keep fuel flowing and prevent shortages.
Investments, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui announced the extension in a statement on Wednesday. He said the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum had requested it and the National Standards Council had recommended it. The change covers two standards: KS EAS 177:2025 for diesel and KS EAS 158:2025 for petrol.
Kinyanjui said a technical assessment of the situation in the Middle East shaped the decision. "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," he said. Citizen Digital reported that shipping through the strait, a key oil transit route, has been disrupted.
The CS said the extension would widen the sources of compliant fuel available to Kenya and protect the country from shortages. He called it a temporary measure to keep fuel available and protect economic stability. The Star reported that the government does not see it as a permanent change to Kenya's fuel quality standards.
According to the Eastleigh Voice, the government first introduced the adjustment on April 30, 2026. It followed disruptions to petroleum supply routes linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Those disruptions limited the supply of fuel that met the existing sulphur specifications.
For ordinary Kenyans, the measure is meant to keep pumps supplied. The Star noted that Kenya depends heavily on imported petroleum. A long disruption could push up fuel costs and affect transport, manufacturing and agriculture. The paper also noted that burning fuel containing sulphur releases sulphur dioxide, a pollutant linked to breathing problems and environmental damage.
The measure will be reviewed at the end of the six months. Kinyanjui said it could be reconsidered earlier if global supply conditions improve.