Cyprian Nyakundi has exposed yet another case of contaminated fuel allegedly sold at Shell stations, adding to growing concerns among motorists. He shared details from a motorist who refueled at Shell Links Road in Mombasa with V-Power fuel but soon experienced engine trouble while driving towards Voi.
The problem worsened as she continued, and a few kilometers before Kitui, the car stalled, forcing her to seek emergency mechanical assistance.The motorist called a mechanic in Kitui, who ran a diagnostic test and found severe engine damage, including a completely worn-out piston.
The mechanic linked the damage to contaminated fuel, saying the problem likely started soon after refueling. With no alternative, the motorist had the vehicle towed back to Mombasa and reported the issue to Vivo Energy Kenya.
She was later contacted by a Vivo Energy representative, Brian Mbaabu, who requested a fuel sample for testing at their lab. However, on Tuesday, the company informed her that the sample had passed all tests, dismissing any concerns.
Dissatisfied with the response, the motorist instructed her mechanic to conduct a deeper inspection of the engine. Upon dismantling it, the mechanic confirmed that one piston was completely worn out, once again pointing to bad fuel as the likely cause.
Nyakundi shared that the motorist has video evidence showing the fuel sample in a compromised state. She claims that the sample, taken directly from her vehicle, appeared discolored and inconsistent with what is expected of high-grade V-Power petrol.
Despite presenting this evidence, Vivo Energy reportedly maintained that their tests found no issues with the fuel. Frustrated by the response, she is now considering legal action and has reached out to consumer rights groups for support.
This case adds to a growing number of complaints from Kenyan motorists about fuel quality, with independent tests exposing major discrepancies in octane levels at several stations.
Nyakundi has also highlighted findings from automotive content creator Kim JH of Tanuki Garage, who recently conducted octane tests at different fuel stations in Nairobi. His results showed that some premium fuels, including Shell V-Power, underperformed compared to standard fuels.
Total Limuru Road recorded the highest performance with a PON of 92, while Shell V-Power scored lower, contradicting the common perception of premium fuel superiority.
Following these revelations, oil marketers, including Vivo Energy, have dismissed the findings, arguing that independent tests lack credibility and do not follow industry-approved procedures.
Shell Kenya, through Vivo Energy, has insisted that its fuel meets regulatory standards, citing tests conducted by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Despite these denials, more motorists continue to report unusual engine problems after refueling from previously reputable stations.
Consumer advocacy groups have now joined the debate, urging EPRA to conduct random and independent fuel quality tests at petrol stations across the country. They argue that the current reliance on oil marketers’ internal tests is inadequate and does not protect motorists from potentially damaging fuel.
The controversy has also drawn the attention of lawmakers, with some calling for stricter oversight and stiffer penalties for companies found selling substandard fuel.
For motorists like the one affected at Shell Links Road, the issue is not just about technical standards but about accountability and compensation for the damage suffered.
