Kenyan motorists will continue using petrol and diesel supplied under temporarily relaxed fuel quality requirements after the government extended the measure for another six months.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, is aimed at protecting the country from possible fuel shortages caused by disruptions in international petroleum supply routes.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the extension followed a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and a recommendation by the National Standards Council.
The temporary arrangement allows imported petrol and diesel to contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of Sulphur per kilogram, commonly written as 50mg/kg. It applies to the country's automotive gasoline and automotive gas oil standards.
The government said continued uncertainty in the Middle East had affected global petroleum supply chains, particularly shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is one of the world's most important routes for transporting oil. Disruptions can delay shipments, limit the number of suppliers available and make it harder for fuel-importing countries such as Kenya to secure supplies that meet strict quality specifications.
Kenya relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products, making it vulnerable to international shipping disruptions and changes in global oil markets.
The latest extension means the arrangement will remain in force for another six months. However, the government says it can be reviewed earlier if international supply conditions improve.
What does this mean for motorists?
The decision does not mean that all petrol and diesel sold in Kenya will contain 50mg of Sulphur per kilogram. It sets the maximum amount permitted under the temporary arrangement.
Sulphur is naturally present in petroleum products. When fuel containing Sulphur is burned, it releases Sulphur dioxide, a pollutant that contributes to air pollution and can worsen respiratory problems.
Cleaner fuels with lower Sulphur levels help reduce these emissions and support modern vehicle emission-control systems. This means the temporary adjustment raises concerns about balancing reliable fuel supplies with environmental and public health protection.
The government has maintained that the measure is not a permanent change to Kenya's fuel quality standards. It is intended to give importers more flexibility to source fuel during the ongoing international supply challenges.
For now, the government says its priority is to prevent shortages while monitoring developments in the global petroleum market.
Sources: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-11-12-why-state-has-extended-high-sulphur-limit-in-petrol-diesel
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