The Kenyan government has extended a temporary waiver on sulphur content requirements for imported petrol and diesel by another six months as it moves to protect the country against potential fuel supply shortages.
The extension allows petroleum products with sulphur content of up to 50 milligrams per kilogramme (mg/kg) to continue entering the local market.
In a notice, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry said the maximum permitted sulphur levels for automotive diesel and premium motor spirit would remain unchanged during the additional six-month period.
The government attributed the decision to persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions affecting international petroleum supply chains, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments.
According to the ministry, maintaining the higher sulphur threshold will enable Kenya to source fuel from a wider range of international suppliers, reducing the possibility of supply interruptions.
The extension followed a request by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and a recommendation from the National Standards Council.
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Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the decision was reached after a technical evaluation and assessment of developments in international petroleum markets.
The government indicated that the temporary measure would be reassessed after six months, although an earlier review could be conducted if global fuel supply conditions improve.
The development comes as Kenyan motorists continue to grapple with increased fuel prices following a rise in the cost of imported refined petroleum products.
In Nairobi, super petrol increased by KSh12.93 per litre to retail at KSh226.96, while diesel prices rose by KSh9.90 to KSh227.76 per litre.
Kerosene recorded the biggest increase, climbing by KSh28.49 to KSh219.87 per litre.
The revised pump prices took effect on October 15 and are scheduled to remain in place until November 14.
