The Ministry of Trade and Investments has implemented a temporary modification to fuel specifications due to supply challenges resulting from ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui revealed that fuel sulphur limits have been temporarily set at 50mg/kg for automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit.
According to the CS, this measure will remain in effect for the next six months to guarantee fuel availability amid concerns over the supply of this essential product in the country.
“The Ministry of Trade has approved a temporary exemption of the sulphur parameter to the maximum limit of 50mg/kg for automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit as per previous fuel standards for a period of 6 months,” stated Kinyanjui.
“This action is temporary and designed to address the current global supply disruption situation.”
The decision came after a request from stakeholders in the petroleum sector who expressed concerns about difficulties in procuring fuel that meets Kenya’s current stringent compliance requirements.
According to the CS, consultations were conducted with technical experts as well as regulatory bodies, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Standards Council.
During his press briefing, Kinyanjui noted that these discussions informed a thorough technical review that ultimately guided the temporary policy shift.
“It is against this background, and in full consideration of the need to protect the interests of Kenyan consumers, that the request was approved,” CS Kinyanjui disclosed.
Prior to these adjustments in local fuel quality, the government had maintained more stringent regulations on the sulphur content in fuel products sold in the country.
These standards were part of the updated regulations KS EAS 158:2025 for petrol and KS EAS 177:2025 for diesel.
However, while this provides relief for the country during fuel shortages, high sulphur levels in fuel often lead to increased harmful emissions and potential long-term damage to vehicle engines.
Reports suggest that fuels with higher sulphur content tend to burn less efficiently, reducing engine performance and potentially increasing fuel consumption.