In response to recent concerns about the quality of petroleum fuels available in the country, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) have assured consumers and the general public of their commitment to transparency.
In a joint press statement, the two organizations said that all petroleum fuels imported into the country undergo testing and certification before being released into the market as part of their quality assurance measures.
“In light of the recent reports and videos circulating on social media, we have conducted extensive confirmatory tests on fuel samples from various petroleum retail stations, including those specifically mentioned in the reports,” read the statement in part.
It further reads that the results of these tests confirm that the fuel at all sampled
stations meet the recommended Research Octane Number (RON) ratings as stipulated by Kenyan Standards.
“Furthermore, in instances where Super Petrol is marketed as a premium fuel with higher RON ratings, our tests consistently affirm compliance with these higher standards. Consequently, we urge consumers to continue to have confidence in the quality of petroleum fuels available, as there is no cause for alarm,” read the statement.
They explained that Super Petrol is categorised based on its RON rating, which determines its suitability for different engine configurations. It is important to note that these ratings can only be accurately conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, where all variables can be monitored and measured effectively.
“We would like to caution consumers and the general public that there are gadgets in the market that can provide a qualitative indication of the RON rating but the results from these gadgets cannot be guaranteed unless confirmed through laboratory tests that follow the required standard procedures of sampling, equipment calibration, and testing,” indicated the statement.
It further read that the Kenya Bureau of Standards and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority are committed to upholding transparency and accuracy in their findings, and they remain dedicated to ensuring that the fuel available to consumers meets the highest standards.
“We understand the importance of this issue to the public and continue to prioritize their safety and satisfaction. We appreciate the continued trust and support of the public as we work to ensure the highest quality standards in fuel distribution,” read the statement.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
