The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has taken decisive action against rogue fuel dealers in Kenya. Ten petrol stations have been shut down after officials discovered they were selling adulterated fuel to unsuspecting motorists.
The closures followed a surprise inspection campaign between July and September, covering more than a thousand petrol sites across the country. The regulator’s move signals a tough stance against fraud in the petroleum sector, which continues to threaten motorists’ vehicles, public safety, and the stability of Kenya’s fuel market.
EPRA Crackdown Exposes Nationwide Fuel Fraud
EPRA officials conducted 6,090 tests at 1,315 petroleum sites during the three-month inspection. Out of these, 1,303 stations complied with fuel quality standards. However, 12 sites failed the tests, and 10 were ordered to close immediately.
The findings reveal how widespread fuel adulteration remains despite repeated government warnings. The stations caught in the crackdown had been mixing diesel with kerosene, selling export fuel in the local market, and distributing products with dangerously high sulphur levels.
Officials noted that adulterated fuel not only damages vehicle engines but also worsens air pollution and undermines Kenya’s fight for cleaner energy.
Counties Affected in the EPRA Crackdown
The shutdowns affected several regions, stretching from the western counties to the coast.
- In Kisumu County, inspectors discovered adulterated diesel mixed with kerosene and export fuel.
- In Machakos, a petrol station in Mwala was exposed for selling diesel containing high sulphur and export fuel.
- Makueni County also saw a station closed for similar malpractice.
- In Bungoma, a dealer in Chwele was caught selling export fuel locally, while another in Vihiga was shut down for the same reason.
The crackdown also reached Nyandarua, where a site in Miharati was closed, and Kilifi, where inspectors shut down a Kikambala-based dealer. In Meru and Mombasa, stations were punished for mixing kerosene with non-market fuels.
EPRA Demands Accountability and Issues Penalties
The regulator confirmed that while ten stations were closed, another in Nakuru was allowed to reopen after paying a penalty of Ksh102,400. The station had been selling diesel with high sulphur content, but corrective measures were taken before operations resumed.
EPRA emphasized that penalties will remain part of its enforcement strategy. Stations found guilty of fuel adulteration will not only face closure but also hefty fines to discourage future violations.
Officials further warned that repeat offenders risk permanent revocation of their licenses.
EPRA Crackdown Relies on Public Cooperation
EPRA is urging Kenyans to join the fight against fuel fraud. The regulator has kept a hotline number—0709 366 000—open during working hours for motorists to report suspicious fuel dealers.
According to EPRA, public vigilance is key to protecting vehicles and ensuring honest players in the industry thrive. The authority promised to continue routine inspections across the country to detect and punish offenders before more motorists fall victim.
“Members of the public are requested to report cases of petroleum fuel adulteration or export dumping,” the regulator stated. “The Authority will undertake continuous monitoring of the quality of petroleum motor fuels on sale, transport and storage throughout the country.”
With the latest crackdown, EPRA has made it clear that it will not tolerate fraud in the petroleum sector. The shutdowns serve as a warning to dealers who prioritize profits over consumer safety.
