EPRA shuts 12 petrol stations across Kenya for selling adulterated and export-bound fuel, warns repeat offenders

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has closed 12 fuel stations across the country after they were found selling adulterated or export-bound fuel to unsuspecting motorists.

The crackdown, which ran between July and September 2025, targeted 1,315 petroleum outlets, with EPRA reporting that 1,303 were compliant. However, 12 stations in Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Machakos, Makueni, Bungoma, Vihiga, Nyandarua, Kwale, Kilifi, Meru, and Mombasa were caught violating fuel quality standards.

The stations were found selling diesel with excess sulphur content and adulterated fuel mixed with kerosene, while others diverted export-grade fuel into the local market. At least two of the offenders had been flagged in previous inspections.

EPRA noted that two other stations failed compliance tests but were not shut down, one due to an ongoing court case and the other after upgrading its products and paying the required fine.

The regulator urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of fuel adulteration through its hotline and USSD code, stressing that consumer collaboration was key to rooting out rogue dealers.

EPRA is mandated under Section 92 of the Petroleum Act 2019 to monitor petroleum products nationwide to prevent adulteration and dumping. The authority has promised to sustain its crackdown and safeguard consumers from harmful and poor-quality fuels.