Ten petrol stations across Kenya have been forced to shut their doors after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) uncovered fuel adulteration during a surprise inspection exercise.

The regulator disclosed that the checks, carried out between July and September, covered 1,315 sites nationwide.

From the 6,090 tests conducted, 1,303 stations met the quality standards, but 12 failed, prompting enforcement measures.

Among the non-compliant stations was one in Kisumu County, where diesel had been mixed with kerosene and export fuel.

In Machakos County’s Mwala area, officers detected diesel with high sulphur content and adulteration using export fuel, while Makueni recorded a similar breach.

Western Kenya also featured in the crackdown. Inspectors in Chwele, Bungoma County, found export diesel being sold to local consumers, with another case reported in Vihiga.

Elsewhere, a site in Miharati, Nyandarua County, and another in Kikambala, Kilifi County, were both flagged for selling fuel with excessive sulphur levels.

Two further cases involved stations in Meru and Mombasa Counties, both linked to kerosene adulterated with non-market products.

EPRA confirmed that one outlet in Nakuru County, earlier penalised for distributing high-sulphur diesel, was allowed to reopen after paying Sh102,400 in fines.

The regulator urged motorists and the public to remain alert to fuel tampering.

“The Authority maintains a hotline number, 0709 366 000, operational during normal working hours to enhance enforcement and compliance activities,” EPRA said.

While outlining the enforcement measures and reiterating its commitment to ongoing checks, the regulator encouraged the public to be alert and report suspicious activities.

“Members of the public are requested to report cases of petroleum fuel adulteration or export dumping. The Authority will undertake continuous monitoring of the quality of petroleum motor fuels on sale, transport and storage throughout the country,” EPRA advised.

The closures, spread across several counties, underline the regulator’s warning that fuel adulteration will not be tolerated, as the practice not only risks damaging engines but also distorts fair competition in the energy sector.