Vivo Energy Kenya has launched comprehensive investigations following concerns raised over the quality of Shell V-Power at select petrol stations in the country.
In a statement on Sunday, January 2, 2025, the energy-distributing company informed its customers that it had also called for independent testing of its product following a viral video that raised concerns over Shell V-Power quality.
This was after a video published by content creator Tanuki Garage (Testing Petrol Quality in Kenya), who tested fuel quality at various Nairobi petrol stations, went viral on various social media platforms.
Tanuki Garage tested fuel from seven filling stations which exposed inconsistencies, leaving Kenyans who pay premium to get Shell V-Power concerned that they may not be getting value for their money.
At Shell Limuru, V-Power recorded 87 Performance Octane Number (PON), while the standard fuel at the same station had a higher rating of 91 PON.
He went to test fuel at Shell Lavington where V-Power recorded 87 PON while normal fuel was 90 PON.
A higher octane number in fuel indicates better performance, as it signifies greater resistance to engine knocking, allowing for smoother and more efficient engine operation, especially in high-performance vehicles with high compression ratios.
It implies that a higher octane number translates to better fuel quality and the potential for improved engine performance.
However, in those two cases, V-Power recorded a lower octane number than normal fuel raising questions among Kenyans who pay a premium for that fuel product forcing Vivo Energy Kenya to respond.
“We take these claims seriously and have initiated a comprehensive investigation, including independent laboratory testing. We will provide further updates once our review is complete,” the statement read in part.
Quality of imports
At the same time, Vivo Energy insisted that its products adhere to strict quality standards and fall into two Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95).
Further, the distributor affirmed that all its products are tested before arriving in the country.
“Vivo Energy Kenya, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell products in the country, is aware of a video circulating on social media titled “Testing Petrol Quality in Kenya” which questions the quality of Shell V-Power at select Shell service stations.
“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.
“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.“
By the time of this publication, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) had not responded to the viral video and Vivo Energy’s statement.
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