Kenya Temporarily Relaxes Fuel Standards Amid Global Supply Disruptions

The Kenyan government has announced a temporary adjustment of fuel standards to ensure stable fuel supply and cushion the economy from ongoing global disruptions.

The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry said the decision follows challenges in sourcing fuel that meets current compliance standards, largely driven by global supply constraints linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz.

Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the move was taken after consultations with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and the National Standards Council, following technical assessments of the supply situation.

The approved measure temporarily waives the sulphur parameter to a maximum of 50mg/kg for Automotive Gasoil and Premium Motor Spirit under Kenyan standards, in line with previous fuel specifications. The waiver will remain in place for six months.

Kinyanjui said the intervention is intended to maintain fuel availability and support economic stability while protecting consumer welfare.

“This measure is temporary and intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption,” he said.

The policy will be reviewed after six months, or earlier if global supply conditions improve, as Kenya joins other countries navigating energy market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions.