When most Kenyans pull into a fuel station, the last thing on their minds is the quality of the fuel they’re pumping into their cars. The focus is simply on filling up and hitting the road. However, a recent exposé has put a spotlight on something many drivers often overlook: substandard fuel.
This has sparked concerns across the country, with motorists raising alarm over possible damage to their engines and the questionable practices at some fuel stations.
Over the past few weeks, reports have surfaced accusing several fuel stations in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya of selling subpar fuel, particularly targeting premium brands like Shell V-Power.
Allegations have centered around the fuel’s octane rating, which is believed to be falling short of the advertised levels.This has left many car owners wondering if they are paying a premium for a product that fails to deliver on its promises.
The Impact on Car Performance
Fuel quality is more than just a matter of price – it directly affects the performance of your vehicle.
Premium fuels like Shell V-Power are marketed as high-octane products designed for vehicles with high-performance engines.
But reports from drivers who have used Shell V-Power at various stations suggest they are experiencing engine misfires, poor fuel efficiency, and unsettling knocking sounds. These are common signs that the octane rating may be too low, which could potentially damage the engine over time.
Experts in the automotive industry are sounding the alarm, noting that using fuel with an incorrect octane rating can result in engine knocking, reduced power, and long-term damage to the vehicle’s engine.
In particular, vehicles that require higher octane fuel, such as sports cars or those with turbocharged engines, are at greater risk of poor performance if the fuel they receive doesn’t meet the necessary specifications.
A Closer Look at the Fuel Supply Chain.
While this issue has sparked frustration among car owners, the fuel supply chain in Kenya raises even more questions.
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The country relies on a single fuel pipeline from Mombasa, operated by the Kenya Pipeline Company, to distribute fuel across the nation.So, if the fuel being sold at various stations is essentially sourced from the same pipeline, how could Shell V-Power and other premium fuels have distinct characteristics?
Vivo Energy Kenya, the distributor of Shell products, has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that all fuel imports adhere to strict quality standards.
In a statement to newsrooms Saturday, the company asserted that each shipment is certified at source and undergoes rigorous testing upon arrival in Kenya.
“Our fuel imports into Kenya adhere to strict quality standards, with two standard Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95). Each shipment is certified at source and undergoes further rigorous testing upon arrival into the country, “read the statement in part.
“At Vivo Energy Kenya, we have stringent quality control measures in place at our depots to ensure that all fuels meet the required standards before being distributed through our nationwide Shell service station network.”
Despite these assurances, the lingering questions remain: How can fuel stations guarantee that premium products like Shell V-Power are consistently meeting the high standards they claim? Why have reports of poor fuel quality emerged across various stations?
The Science Behind Octane Ratings
To understand the issue better, it’s important to grasp the significance of octane ratings. Octane is a measure of a fuel’s ability to withstand compression in an engine without detonating. The higher the octane rating, the more compression the fuel can handle, which is essential for high-performance engines that generate more power.
Regular cars typically run on 87-octane fuel, which is sufficient for most engines. For vehicles with turbo-charged or high-performance engines, such as sports cars, a higher-octane fuel, typically ranging between 91 and 93, is required.
Using a higher-octane fuel than your car needs won’t cause any harm, but it can be an unnecessary expense for owners of standard vehicles. On the other hand, using a lower-octane fuel than your engine is designed for can lead to reduced performance and potential damage.
What Can Drivers Do?
For now, there’s a sense of uncertainty hanging over Kenya’s fuel stations. While Vivo Energy has defended the quality of Shell V-Power, questions about the consistency of fuel quality remain. Car owners are urged to be cautious and mindful of where they fuel their cars.
Investigations into fuel standards and quality control at stations are ongoing, but it’s clear that consumers must be vigilant.
In the meantime, motorists are advised to be aware of their car’s fuel requirements and ensure that they are choosing the right product for their vehicles.
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Until the regulator,the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) issue a statement on the matter, the focus will likely remain on whether consumers can trust the fuel they’re purchasing – or if a change in how fuel is regulated and tested is necessary to restore faith in the market.
As more revelations unfold, one thing is certain: Kenyans need to pay closer attention to the quality of fuel they put in their cars – because the cost of low-grade fuel may extend far beyond the pump.
