Kenya extends waiver on sulphur content in fuel for another six months

Kenya has extended the temporary relaxation of the sulphur content limit for imported petrol and diesel fuel for an additional six months. This decision was made by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry following requests from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and recommendations from the National Standards Council.

The extension was prompted by ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East and its impact on global petroleum supply chains, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced the decision in a statement, explaining that the move aims to broaden the availability of compliant fuel and protect Kenya from potential fuel shortages.

The extension allows for a maximum sulphur content of 50mg/kg in both KS EAS 177:2025 Automotive Gas Oil and KS EAS 158:2025-Automotive Gasoline Premium Motor Spirit. Kinyanjui emphasized that this is a temporary measure intended to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and maintain economic stability. The decision to relax the sulphur limit was initially announced on April 30, 2024, in response to disruptions in fuel supply routes caused by the US and Israel's attack on Iran, which made it challenging for Kenya to obtain fuel that met the current compliance standards.

The extension will be evaluated at the end of the six-month period or sooner if global supply conditions improve.