Kenya has announced a temporary suspension of fuel quality standards as it moves to address shortages triggered by conflict in the Middle East, according to government officials on Thursday.
Disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have affected key global shipping routes used for transporting oil and gas from the Gulf region.
Acting on a request from the energy ministry and stakeholders in the petroleum industry, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry confirmed it will allow sulphur levels to rise to a maximum of 50mg/kg for a period of six months.
Authorities said the decision is aimed at maintaining steady fuel supplies and protecting economic stability during ongoing global supply challenges. The waiver will be reassessed after six months, or sooner if international supply conditions improve.
The development comes after United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is severely disrupting the global economy, adding that supply chains could take months to fully recover.