An engine control apparatus is configured to prevent damage to a catalytic converter caused by the occurrence of temperature differences. The engine control apparatus is particularly useful in a catalytic converter having a thin-walled ceramic carrier. The engine control apparatus prohibits cutting of the fuel supply during vehicle deceleration for a prescribed amount of time after operation of either an engine speed limiter component, which cuts the fuel supply when the engine speed exceeds an allowable engine speed, or a vehicle speed limiter component, which cuts the fuel supply when the vehicle speed exceeds an allowable vehicle speed.