NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has temporarily relaxed fuel quality standards for six months following supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a press release dated April 30, 2026, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry said the decision was made after stakeholders in the petroleum sector raised concerns over difficulties sourcing fuel that complies with Kenya’s current standards.
According to the ministry, disruptions affecting global supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have strained access to compliant fuel products and threatened continuity of supply critical to the economy.
The ministry said consultations were held with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Standards Council before the request underwent a technical assessment.
“It is against this backdrop, and in full consideration of the need to safeguard the welfare of Kenyan consumers and the stability of the economy, that the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has approved a request by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum… to temporarily waive the sulphur parameter to the maximum limit of 50mg/kg,” the statement said.
The waiver applies to KS EAS 177:2025 Automotive Gasoil and KS EAS 158:2025 Premium Motor Spirit standards, effectively reverting fuel imports to previous sulphur limits for the next six months.
The ministry maintained that the move is temporary and aimed at ensuring continued fuel availability and economic stability during the current period of global supply uncertainty.
“It will be reviewed at the end of the six-month period, or earlier if global supply conditions improve,” the statement added.
The announcement comes amid heightened global concern over energy supply chains following escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly around strategic shipping routes used for oil transportation.
Fuel sulphur limits are designed to reduce harmful emissions and protect vehicle engines and public health. Kenya has, in recent years, progressively tightened fuel quality regulations as part of broader environmental and regional harmonisation efforts under the East African Standards framework.
The statement was signed by Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry.
