Vivo Energy Kenya Refutes Social Media Claims with Independent Tests on Shell V-Power Fuel Quality

Nairobi, February 3, 2025 – Following recent social media allegations questioning the quality of Shell V-Power fuel in Kenya, Vivo Energy Kenya, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell products, has taken decisive action to address these concerns. In a news release issued today, the company announced that it commissioned independent laboratory tests at six of its service stations across the country to verify the fuel’s standards.

The controversy began when a video titled “Testing Petrol Quality in Kenya” circulated widely on social media platforms, suggesting that Shell V-Power fuel failed to meet the expected quality benchmarks. In response, Vivo Energy Kenya aimed to quell the public’s doubts by conducting tests that were carried out by a reputable third-party laboratory, Intertek.

The results of these tests, as presented in the news release, were unequivocal. Shell V-Power fuel at all tested locations was found to possess a Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, which aligns with the premium standards advertised by the company. For comparison, the standard unleaded fuel provided by Shell has a RON of 93.

Vivo Energy Kenya emphasized their commitment to maintaining high-quality fuel standards. According to their statement, all fuel imports into Kenya undergo strict quality checks at the source, followed by additional testing upon arrival to ensure compliance with local standards. The company also conducts regular quality control checks at their depots before the fuel is distributed through their extensive service station network.

“We understand the importance of maintaining trust with our customers,” stated a spokesperson from Vivo Energy Kenya. “These tests not only reaffirm our commitment to quality but also demonstrate our transparency in addressing public concerns.”

Despite this response, the debate on social media continues, with some users calling for video evidence of the tests to be shared for further transparency. Others have expressed skepticism, referencing past experiences or demanding more comprehensive evidence beyond lab reports.

Vivo Energy Kenya has promised to keep the public updated on further developments, indicating that they will provide additional updates once their review is complete. This situation highlights the growing influence of social media in consumer advocacy and the importance of companies responding swiftly and transparently to public concerns.