Kenya will temporarily relax its fuel quality regulations as part of emergency measures to sustain supply amid shortages linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, authorities announced on Thursday. The country, which relies heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf, has been significantly impacted by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transit route.
In a joint decision, the energy ministry and petroleum suppliers secured approval to temporarily raise the sulphur limit in fuel to a maximum of 50mg/kg for six months, a move endorsed by the ministry of investments, trade and industry.
Officials stated that the intervention is aimed at ensuring continued fuel availability and maintaining economic stability during a period of heightened global supply disruption. Meanwhile, António Guterres warned on Thursday that the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is “strangling the global economy,” cautioning that supply chains could take months to fully recover.