Govt raises sulphur limit for diesel and petrol amid supply concerns
By Cynthia Lodite, April 30, 2026The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, has announced a temporary waiver raising the maximum sulphur limit to 50mg/kg for diesel (Automotive Gasoil) and petrol (Premium Motor Spirit) from stricter prior standards.
In a Press release on Thursday, April 30, 2026, the CS announced that the changes are due to requests from stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
According to CS Kinyanjui, the adjustments by the Ministry were made due to the experienced challenge in sourcing fuel that meets the current standard compliance levels in the Country.
“The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has received requests from stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, regarding challenges in sourcing fuel that meets the current standard compliance levels,” CS Kinyanjui stated.
At the same time, the CS explained that the concerns were urgent 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.
“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,” he explained.
KEBS review on fuel
In addition, the Ministry of Trade explained that, against the backdrop of the technical review, it has approved a request by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, under the guidance of the National Standards Council, to temporarily waive the sulphur parameter.
“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, under the guidance of the National Standards Council, to temporarily waive the sulphur parameter to the maximum limit of 50mg/kg for KS EAS 177:2025- Automotive Gasoil and KS EAS 158:2025-Premium Motor Spirit as per the previous fuel standards for a period of six (6) months,” CS Kinyanjui stated.
The Ministry has further announced that this measure is temporary and intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption.
Meanwhile, the CS confirmed that the measures will be reviewed at the end of the six-month period, or earlier if global supply conditions improve.