In a statement on April 30, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry said it had received formal requests from stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
The ministry said the supply challenges are linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted international fuel supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
The requests cited challenges in sourcing fuel that complies fully with existing Kenyan standards.
According to the government, the interruptions have raised concerns about the reliability of fuel supplies, an input for transport in Kenya, manufacturing, and power generation.
“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 177:2020 – Automotive Gas Oil and KS EAS 158:2025 – Premium Motor Spirit as per the previous fuel standards for a period of six (6) months,” read part of the statement.
The government noted that continued uncertainty in global shipping lanes has affected fuel availability and increased pressure on importers, prompting calls for regulatory flexibility to prevent shortages in the local market.
Kenya Technical Review and Six-Month Waiver
Following consultations with the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the National Standards Council, the government subjected the requests to a technical assessment.
The review sought to balance the need to maintain fuel supplies with the need to protect consumers and the economy.
Also Read: Treasury Revokes Kenya Pipeline Status as a National Government Entity
As a result, the government approved a request from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to temporarily allow fuel with higher sulphur levels than current rules permit.
The sulphur limit will be capped at 50 mg/kg for diesel and petrol following older fuel standards and will remain in place for six months.
“This measure is temporary and intended to ensure continued fuel availability and sustain economic stability during the current period of global supply disruption. It will be reviewed at the end of the six-month period, or earlier if global supply conditions improve,” the government said.
According to the government, monitoring mechanisms will remain in place during the waiver period, and consumer safety and economic stability will remain central considerations as the country navigates ongoing global supply constraints.
EPRA Announcement on Fuel Prices for March and April Cycle
On March 14, EPRA announced the maximum retail prices for petroleum products in Kenya, effective from March 15, 2025, to April 14, 2026.
Also Read: Power Bills Stay High as EPRA Gazettes Fresh Forex and Water Levies
The regulator stated that the prices of Super Petrol, Kerosene, and Diesel would remain unchanged.
Retail prices in Nairobi now stand at KSh178.28 for Super Petrol, KSh166.54 for Diesel, and KSh152.78 for Kerosene, effective at midnight for the next 30 days.
“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene remain unchanged. In Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene now retail at KShs.178.28, Kshs. 166.54, and Kshs. 152.78 effective midnight for the next 30 days,” EPRA announced.
In other cities across Kenya, Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will retail at KSh178.16, KSh166.76, and KSh153.03 per liter in Kisumu, KSh175.00, KSh163.26, and KSh149.49 per liter in Mombasa, and KSh178.16, KSh166.77, and KSh153.03 per liter in Eldoret, respectively.
EPRA stated that the average landed cost of imported Super Petrol rose by 1.00%, increasing from US$576.34 per cubic meter in January 2026 to US$582.11 per cubic meter in February 2026.
