The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has shut down eight petrol stations across the country for allegedly engaging in illegitimate activities, including selling adulterated fuel.
The closure of the eight stations followed an impromptu inspection conducted between May and June this year at 1,331 facilities, during which 17 stations were found to be non-compliant.
Some of the flagged stations were found selling export-bound super petrol and diesel in the local market, thus contravening the Petroleum Act and the EPRA regulations.
Other notable cases were the sale of contaminated fuel, which contained high sulphur content and the operation of unregistered fuel sites.
While some of the stations have already closed, others are still in court awaiting a verdict. Meanwhile, others have been reopened after paying the fines imposed on them.
Counties where the non-compliant stations were found include Siaya, two in Uasin Gishu, four in Nairobi, one in Busia, and others in Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru and Narok.
In Uasin Gishu, the EPRA officers found two facilities selling adulterated fuel and dispensing export-bound super petrol. While one facility in Uasin Gishu was closed, another one is still in court.
In Siaya, a petrol station located in Wiomino was closed for allegedly selling adulterated fuel. A similar case was witnessed in Bugoma's Wayanja area.
A petrol station in Narok's Suswa area was found selling adulterated diesel. However, the facility was reopened after paying a fine of Ksh282,000.
Similarly, in Tharaka Nithi, two stations were closed for allegedly selling fuel contaminated with high sulphur content, with another one in Busia's Nmable area closed for selling fuel meant for export.
In Nairobi's Tassia Estate, a petrol station was forced to pay Ksh2 million after EPRA officials found the facility selling petrol meant for export and dispensing diesel contaminated with kerosene.
To ensure continuous compliance with the regulations, EPRA urged members of the public to remain vigilant about the petrol stations selling illegitimate petroleum products.
"We remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that all petrol products sold locally are of the right quality and are safe for consumers," EPRA assured.
