Drivers are expected to continue purchasing fuel containing higher levels of sulphur for six more months following the administration's decision to prolong a temporary easing of restrictions, citing ongoing disruptions in worldwide petroleum supply chains.
In a statement issued on November 11, 2026, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry revealed the ruling. The move followed advice from the National Standards Council along with a petition from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
The regulatory framework stipulates that automotive gas oil (diesel) and premium motor spirit (petrol) must not exceed a sulphur concentration of 50mg/kg. Compliance is governed by Kenyan standards KS EAS 177:2025 and KS EAS 158:2025 for each fuel type, respectively.
Secretary for Trade Lee Kinyanjui explained that the move came after a technical review of the disturbances, specifically examining the Middle East's geopolitical climate and the tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministry states that broadening the supplier base reduces the chance of domestic fuel shortages by increasing the variety of import origins for Kenya.
Kinyanjui characterized the policy as purely short-term, explaining that its goal is to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies and safeguard the economic landscape. He noted that the plan will be reassessed upon the expiration of the six-month period, or sooner should international supply conditions improve.
The declaration arrives just days ahead of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) scheduled monthly fuel cost assessment on November 14, 2026. This timing situates the ruling within the broader context of Kenya’s immediate fuel pricing and supply strategies.
Authorities emphasized that no lasting alterations to fuel quality benchmarks are under consideration. They stated that the temporary easing of rules will expire or be reassessed once supply circumstances permit a restoration of the original thresholds.
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