EPRA flags 17 fuel stations for adulteration, illegal dumping in latest crackdown

A recent inspection by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has revealed a troubling pattern of fuel adulteration and illegal dumping of export-bound petroleum products in Kenya’s local market, with 17 fuel sites and trucks found in breach of regulations between April and June this year.

EPRA, which is tasked with monitoring the quality of fuel in the country under the Petroleum Act 2019, conducted nearly 6,000 tests at more than 1,300 retail sites. While the majority of fuel stations complied with required standards, the authority flagged 1.28 per cent of them for serious violations.

According to EPRA, the sites in question were either selling fuel contaminated with domestic kerosene, offering fuel containing high sulphur content, or distributing products designated strictly for export.

One illegal fuel outlet in Cheptiret, Uasin Gishu County, was found with diesel suspected to be smuggled and intended for export.

The case is currently being handled in court. In the same region, Alakbary Energy Service Station on Uganda Road was caught selling diesel mixed with kerosene.

The facility was allowed to resume operations after paying Sh105,457 in taxes and penalties.

In Siaya’s Wi-Omino area, Eunik Investment Filling Station was shut down after it was found selling adulterated diesel.

Another closure took place in Bungoma, where Mayafra Filling Station was found distributing diesel with high sulphur content meant for export markets.

In Nakuru County, authorities impounded a local truck at Githioro Police Station after it was found transporting diesel mixed with kerosene and containing high sulphur levels.

Another vehicle intercepted at Mau Summit Police Station was transporting smuggled diesel that had been tampered with before entering the local supply chain.

In Trans Nzoia County, AJJOWA Filling Station in Birunda was found to be offering super petrol with high sulphur content, a violation that led to the station’s closure.

EXTRA Energies Filling Station in Suswa, Narok County, was also shut for selling petrol meant for export and diesel contaminated with kerosene. The facility was later reopened after paying Sh282,345 in penalties and upgrading its product.

In Nairobi’s Tassia estate, Sakina Service Station was found offering super petrol originally intended for export. The operator paid Sh2,866,116 in taxes and penalties before reopening.

Other stations shut down for similar offences include Osere City in Angurai, Busia; Patience Filling Station in Tunyai, Tharaka Nithi; and Paru Filling Station in Marimanti, Tharaka Nithi. Adenya Filling Station in Nambale, Busia, was caught selling diesel meant for export and mixed with kerosene.

A number of transporters were also implicated.

Other Topics To Read

• Business
• Headlines
• EPRA
• EPRA flags 17 fuel stations for adulteration
• illegal dumping in latest crackdown

In Nakuru and Mombasa, trucks and illegal sites were caught ferrying or handling tampered diesel. EPRA confirmed that the truck with registration number KDG 098S was seized while transporting smuggled fuel, while another truck, KBG 734L, was intercepted in Kizingo with diesel intended for export.

In Kwale County, an illegal fuel site in Samburu was found distributing adulterated diesel. EPRA noted that legal action is ongoing in connection with this and another illegal operation in Portreiz, Mombasa.

In Kathaana, Machakos County, MEIFAM Petroleum Filling Station was shut down after it was discovered to be selling diesel with high sulphur levels, in violation of fuel standards.

“We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that all petroleum products sold locally are of the right quality and safe for consumers,” EPRA said.

The agency warned that it will continue taking firm action against individuals and entities found flouting fuel regulations.