Kenya extends relaxed fuel sulphur limits for six more months

The Kenyan government has extended the temporary relaxation of sulphur limits in petrol and diesel fuel for an additional six months. This decision came amidst ongoing uncertainties in the global petroleum supply chains. On November 11, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui announced the extension in a notice.

Kinyanjui confirmed that the maximum allowed sulphur content in both petrol and diesel would remain at 50 milligrams per kilogram (50mg/kg). This adjustment pertains to Kenya's standards KS EAS 177:2025 for Automotive Gas Oil, or diesel, and KS EAS 158:2025 for Automotive Gasoline. The decision was made following a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and recommendations from the National Standards Council after a technical evaluation of the current global petroleum supply conditions.

The government cited persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in international petroleum supply chains, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, as reasons for the extension. Kinyanjui explained that the extension aims to broaden Kenya's access to compliant petroleum sources, thereby reducing the risk of fuel shortages resulting from international market disruptions.

The decision is seen as temporary, aimed at maintaining fuel availability and economic stability. It is expected to be reviewed at the end of the six-month period or earlier if the global petroleum supply conditions improve. The relaxed sulphur specification will remain in force for another six months, according to the government, as Kenya endeavors to bolster its petroleum supply system against external market disruptions.