Kenyans will for the next six months use fuel with higher sulphur content after the government announced temporary changes to fuel quality standards following supply challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the government had approved a temporary waiver increasing sulphur limits in automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit to 50mg/kg.
“The Ministry of Trade has approved a temporary waiver of the sulphur parameter to the maximum limit of 50mg/kg for automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit as per the previous fuel standards for a period of 6 months,” said Kinyanjui.
“This measure is temporary and intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption,”added.
The CS explained that the decision was reached after players in the petroleum sector raised concerns over difficulties in obtaining fuel that meets Kenya’s current standards amid disruptions in the global supply chain.
Kinyanjui noted that the ministry held consultations with technical experts and regulatory agencies, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the National Standards Council, before approving the temporary adjustment.
“It is against this backdrop, and in full consideration of the need to safeguard the welfare of Kenyan consumers, that the request was approved,” CS Kinyanjui revealed.
Before the waiver, Kenya had been enforcing stricter sulphur limits of 10mg/kg under the updated fuel standards KS EAS 158:2025 for petrol and KS EAS 177:2025 for diesel.
The latest changes are expected to ease pressure on fuel supply in the country at a time when global markets continue to experience uncertainty due to tensions in the Middle East.
However, experts have previously warned that fuel with higher sulphur content may have environmental and mechanical effects.
Higher sulphur fuel is associated with increased harmful emissions, lower engine efficiency and possible long-term damage to vehicle engines.
Reports also show that fuel with elevated sulphur levels may lead to increased fuel consumption and reduced vehicle performance.
