The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has uncovered multiple cases of adulterated fuel sales and diversion of export-bound diesel to the local market. The authority issued a public notice warning of stern action against offenders in various Kenyan counties. These violations occurred between October 1 and December 29, 2025.
From October 1 to December 29, 2025, EPRA identified violations in counties including Nakuru, Kakamega, Makueni, Mombasa, and Marsabit. Fuel stations and trucks were found selling diesel mixed with domestic kerosene, high-sulphur diesel, or fuel intended solely for export.
In Nakuru, a popular petrol station was caught selling adulterated diesel with kerosene but was allowed to reopen after upgrading its product and paying Ksh 140,144 in taxes and penalties. In Kakamega, another filling station was shut down for offering adulterated diesel. In Makueni, a petrol station faced a penalty of Ksh 132,780 after selling export-bound diesel to local buyers.
Several trucks transporting adulterated or export-bound fuel were impounded, with legal proceedings ongoing in court. In Marsabit, cases of high-sulphur diesel stored in jerrycans, believed to be smuggled, were impounded at the KRA Yard in Moyale, and legal actions continue.
“The Authority maintains a hotline number, 0709 366 000, operational during normal working hours to enhance enforcement and compliance activities. We urge members of the public to report purported cases of petroleum fuel adulteration or export dumping through the hotline, as well as via our USSD code (*363#) and SMS service (40850). A full list of all sites found with adulterated products is also available on our website,” EPRA stated.
Experts warn that adulterated fuel can severely damage vehicle engines, affecting fuel injectors, pistons, and catalytic converters, leading to costly repairs, reduced performance, and potential engine failure in private and commercial vehicles. Beyond mechanical damage, it undermines public safety by increasing fire risks and emergency incidents from inconsistent combustion. It also contributes to environmental pollution via higher emissions of harmful gases. Moreover, the practice causes substantial government revenue loss as taxes and levies on legitimate petroleum products are evaded, weakening regulatory enforcement and public trust in the fuel sector.
