Cetane

The cetane number is an indicator of the combustion speed of diesel fuel and the compression needed for ignition. Diesel with a lower cetane number provokes ignition delays and requires more time for the combustion process to be completed. In other words, higher cetane numbers indicate a better ignition quality. Therefore, diesel with a higher cetane number is preferred by the engine makers as it influences the engine’s efficiency.

Both the cetane number and the cetane index are regulated in Kenyan standards. The cetane number is regulated at 51 and the cetane index is regulated at 48. The SGS WWFS test results show that actual cetane during the study period has complied with the standards.