EPRA puts 17 fuel stations on the spot as eight closed for violating regulations
While majority of fuel stations complied with required standards, the authority flagged 1.28 per cent of them for serious violations
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.
A recent inspection by the authority has revealed how 17 fuel sites were found in breach of regulations between April and June.
Among the 17, eight have been shut down by the regulatory authority to ensure compliance and pay the fines before resuming operations.
During the inspection, EPRA conducted 5,966 tests at more than 1,300 retail sites.
While majority of fuel stations complied with required standards, the authority flagged 1.28 per cent of them for serious violations.
The authority stated that 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.
Here is a breakdown of the sites found to violate the regulations:
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.
EPRA intercepted a vehicle at Mau Summit Police Station transporting smuggled diesel that had been tampered with before entering the local supply chain.
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 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.
In Nakuru and Mombasa counties, trucks and illegal sites were caught ferrying or handling tampered diesel.
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.
This comes even as EPRA has warned that it will continue taking firm action against individuals and entities found flouting fuel regulations.
