The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has shut down 18 petrol stations on allegations of selling adulterated fuel.
Between October to December 2023, EPRA analyzed the fuel products sold in various fuel stations in the country.
In its findings, some petrol stations were found to be compliant while others violated operating procedures.
"A total of 7,114 tests were conducted at 1600 petroleum sites. From the tests. 1,574 (98.38 per cent) of the sites were found to be compliant. However, tests from 26 (1.62 per cent) sites turned out to be non-compliant," EPRA said.
Of the 26 stations found to be non-compliant, five were penalised and allowed to continue with business after paying the fines.
Two had their trucks impounded after officials discovered they carried fuel meant for export.
One station had its fuel confiscated and its site demolished for selling kerosene meant for export.
18 other fuel stations were shut.
The shut stations were found to be either selling super petrol with high levels of Sulphuric acid, diesel adulterated with domestic kerosene, kerosene diluted with marker or diesel with a high content of marker.
Others were also penalised for selling diesel and super petrol meant for export.
The affected stations are domiciled in Tharaka Nithi, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Embu, Kajiado, Busia, Kakamega, Kirinyaga, Taita Taveta, Nandi, Nakuru, Laikipia, Baringo and Siaya.
EPRA is mandated under Section 92 of the Petroleum Act 2019 to monitor petroleum products offered for sale in the local market to prevent motor fuel adulteration or dumping of export-bound fuels.
