Kenya Issues Six-Month Fuel Standards Adjustment to Prevent Shortages

The Minister of Investments, Trade and Industry has made an announcement for the temporary change in the country’s fuel standards due to supply issues as a result of global political instabilities.

According to the statement released by the ministry on April 30, 2026, there have been formal requests by players in the oil industry seeking an exemption from the regulations.

The statement notes that consultations involved key actors, including the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, highlighting systemic constraints in sourcing fuel that complies with Kenya’s existing sulphur content standards.

The ministry cited emerging logistical and supply chain challenges affecting fuel imports into the country.

“Owing to constraints occasioned by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including disruptions to supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, and the need to safeguard the continuous supply of fuel critical to the economy, these concerns have been given urgent consideration,” the ministry stated.

Temporary Regulatory Adjustment

Following a technical review conducted in collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the National Standards Council, the government approved a temporary waiver on sulphur limits in imported fuels.

The move specifically affects Automotive Gasoil and Premium Motor Spirit under the KS EAS 177:2025 and KS EAS 158:2025 standards respectively.

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“Upon review by our technical teams, and following consultations with the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the National Standards Council, the Ministry has subjected the request to a comprehensive technical assessment,” the statement read.

Under the revised directive, sulphur limits will be capped at a maximum of 50 milligrams per kilogram for a period of six months.

Achieving Equilibrium between Fuel Supply and Protecting Consumers

The government stressed that this arrangement was a temporary one aimed at protecting the economy from external shocks while ensuring the stability of fuel supply.

Officials reiterated that consumer welfare and economic resilience remain central to the decision.

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“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 has approved a request, to temporarily waive the sulphur parameter,” the statement explained.

The ministry further clarified that the intervention is time-bound and subject to ongoing review based on global market conditions.

Authorities signaled readiness to revert to stricter standards should supply chains normalize sooner than anticipated.

“This measure is temporary and intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption. It will be reviewed at the end of the six-month period, or earlier if global supply conditions improve,” the statement concluded.

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