Vivo Responds: Nairobi Motorists Surprised by Fuel Quality

Nairobi, February 2, 2025 – A recent fuel quality test conducted by an automotive content creator has left Nairobi motorists in shock, revealing that in some instances, standard fuel outperformed the premium V-Power at certain petrol stations across the city. The study, which involved testing fuel from seven different stations, has sparked a significant discussion among drivers regarding the value and consistency of premium fuel products.

The test results indicated that Total Limuru Road station topped the chart with a performance rating of 92 PON (Pump Octane Number), closely followed by Astrol Rosslyn at 91 PON. Meanwhile, stations like Total Spring Valley and Rubis UN Avenue both scored 90 PON. However, the most surprising findings came from Shell stations, where the premium V-Power fuel underperformed compared to the standard fuel. At Shell Limuru Road, V-Power rated at 87 PON, significantly lower than the standard fuel’s 91 PON at the same location. A similar discrepancy was observed at Shell Lavington, with V-Power at 87 PON and regular fuel at 90 PON.

These results suggest that consumers opting for the more expensive V-Power might not always receive the superior fuel quality they expect, leading to questions about the consistency of premium fuel across different outlets.

In response to these findings, Vivo Energy Kenya, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell products in the country, has issued a press statement addressing the concerns. According to the statement, Vivo Energy Kenya adheres to strict quality standards for fuel imports, with two standard categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95). Each shipment is certified at the source and undergoes rigorous testing upon arrival in Kenya.

Vivo Energy Kenya emphasized their commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, stating, “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.”

The company has taken the claims seriously and initiated a comprehensive investigation, including independent laboratory testing, to ensure the integrity of their fuel quality. Vivo Energy Kenya has promised to provide further updates once their review is complete.

This situation has ignited a debate among Nairobi’s driving community about the reliability and worth of premium fuels. Motorists are now more cautious, with many calling for regular and transparent quality checks to ensure they are getting value for their money. As the investigation by Vivo Energy Kenya progresses, the automotive community and consumers alike will be watching closely for the outcomes and any potential changes in fuel quality assurance practices.