Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has announced a temporary increase in sulphur limits in diesel and petrol to 50mg/kg for six months. The move addresses supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict, including the Strait of Hormuz issue. It aims to ensure fuel availability and economic stability.
In a statement on April 30, 2026, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced that the Ministry of Trade and Investments has approved a temporary waiver raising sulphur limits to 50mg/kg for automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit for six months.
"This measure is temporary and intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption," Kinyanjui said.
The decision followed requests from petroleum sector stakeholders and consultations with technical experts, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the National Standards Council. Previously, sulphur limits were stricter at 10mg/kg under KS EAS 158:2025 for petrol and KS EAS 177:2025 for diesel.
Kinyanjui linked the adjustment to the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly the Strait of Hormuz closure dispute, which has disrupted fuel supplies from Gulf countries, necessitating the step to avert shortages.
