Fuel Cartels Dealt with by ERC

Some petrol stations in the country have been taking advantage of the lower kerosene prices thus mixing diesel with kerosene or super petrol with kerosene, which is said to increase the risk of car engine knocks.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) carried out a crackdown on suspected petrol, stations that had been discovered to be engaging in the activities of selling the adulterated fuel to their customers.

The discovery came about after the energy regulatory body carried out some quality tests on their products to 1,493 outlets across the country. This led to closing down of at least 27 petrol stations across the country, most of which were said to be in Meru county, Kakamega, Kirinyaga, Kericho, Migori, Siaya, Murang’a, Mombasa, Bomet, Kisii and Tharaka Nithi.

Apart from selling of fuel mixed with kerosene, some of the petrol stations were also engaging in activities like diverting export fuel into the local market so that they can make quick profits to themselves, thus leading to loss of revenue in unpaid taxes.

The energy regulatory body stated that they are working towards ensuring that there is enough check- ups so as to end such activities completely adding that measure have already been put in place. The body said that it is ready to ensure that consumers get the best quality products without being deceived.

Data the energy regulator gathered between September 2015 and February 2016 indicated that 96 per cent of petroleum outlets sampled did not have contaminated fuels or stock fuel meant for export.

Article by Vera Shawiza.