EPRA shuts Mombasa fuel siphoning den, recovers 23,000 litres of diesel
The operation targeted what was described as a “major unlawful fuel siphoning den” in the area.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has uncovered and shut down a large illegal fuel siphoning operation in the Port Reitz area of Mombasa, recovering 23,000 litres of diesel in the process.
In a statement on Thursday, EPRA said the raid was led by Coast Regional Manager Francis Keri and Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno. The operation targeted what was described as a “major unlawful fuel siphoning den” in the area.
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“Our Coast Region Surveillance and Enforcement team, led by Coast Regional Manager, Mr Francis Keri and Coast Regional Police Commander, Mr Ali Nuno, led a successful enforcement operation targeting a major unlawful fuel siphoning den in Port Reitz area, Mombasa County,” EPRA stated.
The agency noted that the illegal activity was in direct violation of the Petroleum Act, Cap 308, which prohibits operating any petroleum storage, handling, or filling facility without proper authorisation.
EPRA said it will continue to pursue and shut down such operations, warning that legal action will be taken against individuals behind them. The agency said these measures aim to protect the public and the environment.
“EPRA and the National Police Service reaffirm their commitment to ensuring compliance with petroleum regulations and safeguarding public safety and the environment,” the statement added.
The operation follows a separate crackdown in May, where EPRA announced the closure of nine petrol stations found selling adulterated or export-bound fuel. That enforcement campaign came after testing was conducted at 1,360 petrol stations across the country.
“During the period January–March 2025, a total of 5,978 tests were conducted at 1,360 petroleum sites. From the tests, 1347 (99.04%) of the sites were found to be compliant. However, tests from Thirteen, 13 (0.96%) sites turned out to be non-compliant,” EPRA noted.
Stations shut down during the crackdown included Wamuini Petrol Station in Endebess, Mungatsi Filling Station in Busia, Miami Energy in Busia, Wangu Filling Station in Trans Nzoia, and Sofla Energy Service Station in Kisumu. Others were Kobedo Filling Station in Homa Bay, 61 Bus Filling Station in Embakasi Central, Nairobi, and El Bethel Filling Station in Marsabit, along with an illegal fuel site in Mazeras, Kilifi.
EPRA called on members of the public to report any suspicious fuel-related activities and urged them to check its website for a full list of sites previously found with adulterated fuel.
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