The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Wednesday raided an illegal fuel siphoning site in Mazeras, within Mombasa County, that has been assessed as dangerous to the public.
EPRA seized approximately 5,000 litres of diesel in 23 drums, believed to have been obtained illegally. The fuel seized is enough to fill 100 cars with a tank capacity of about 50 litres each.
According to our analysis, the diesel is worth approximately Ksh835,300, based on a price of Ksh167.06 per litre.
The agency recovered a generator pump along with the diesel at the illegal petroleum-syphoning site.
According to a statement from the agency, the raid, which was conducted by EPRA’s Coast Region Surveillance and Enforcement team in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), uncovered the den nestled in a residential area.
“Upon detailed investigations, our officers ascertained the following: 23 drums containing approximately 5,000 litres of diesel and one generator pump. Located in a residential area, the site was unsafe for members of the public,” EPRA said.
According to EPRA, the site has been closed off to the public, and the owners are being tracked.
“EPRA warns those engaging in the dangerous and prohibited trade to shun such transactions and seek alternative ventures,” the authority asserted.
The raid comes as EPRA intensifies its fight against illegal fuel activities that endanger lives and also lead to loss of property.
On February 22, EPRA, in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Energy Police Unit, raided an illegal fuel siphoning operation in the Karuku area of Kirinyaga County.
The facility was dismantled, and siphoning equipment was confiscated. The owner evaded arrest, prompting an ongoing manhunt.
In January, EPRA flagged 11 petrol stations for selling adulterated fuel following quality tests conducted between October and December 2024. These stations faced penalties, including fines and temporary closures, to enforce compliance.
