Kenya has announced a temporary waiver on fuel quality standards as it moves to cushion the economy from shortages triggered by ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in global oil supply chains.
The government said the decision follows disruptions to international shipping routes after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and gas imports from the Gulf region.
In a statement, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry said it would temporarily relax the maximum sulphur content limit in fuel to 50mg/kg for six months following consultations with the Ministry of Energy and petroleum sector stakeholders.
The waiver is aimed at ensuring continued fuel availability and maintaining economic stability amid global supply pressures.
“This measure is intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption,” the ministry said, adding that the policy will be reviewed in six months or earlier if conditions improve.
The disruption has raised concerns about global energy security, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is “strangling the global economy” and that supply chains could take months to recover.
Energy analysts say Kenya’s move reflects growing pressure on developing economies that rely heavily on imported refined petroleum products, as global price volatility and shipping constraints continue to affect fuel availability.
The temporary regulatory relaxation is expected to ease supply pressures in the short term, though environmental stakeholders may raise concerns over emissions implications tied to higher sulphur content.
Authorities say the policy remains strictly temporary and will be reversed once global supply conditions stabilise.
