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Vivo Energy Kenya, the licensed distributor of Shell petroleum products, has publicly addressed growing concerns over the quality of its Shell V-Power fuel following a viral social media investigation.
The company broke its silence on Sunday, February 2, after content creator William Kimm, popularly known as GTR Tanuki, shared a video alleging inconsistencies in fuel performance at multiple Shell service stations. In the footage, Kimm conducted on-site tests at seven outlets, revealing that premium Shell V-Power fuel underperformed compared to regular-grade options at certain locations.
In an official statement, Vivo Energy Kenya reaffirmed its adherence to stringent international quality standards, clarifying that its imported fuels fall into two certified Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95). “Every shipment undergoes rigorous certification at the source and additional quality checks upon arrival in Kenya,” the company stated.
Emphasizing its commitment to transparency, Vivo Energy confirmed it had launched an internal investigation, including third-party laboratory testing, to verify the claims. “We take these reports seriously and are conducting a comprehensive review. Updates will be shared once findings are concluded,” the statement added.
Kimm’s tests yielded striking results. At Shell Limuru Road, the premium V-Power fuel scored 87 Pump Octane Number (PON), while the station’s regular fuel achieved 91 PON. Similarly, at Shell Lavington, V-Power registered 87 PON against the standard fuel’s 90 PON—contradicting the widespread assumption that premium fuels universally outperform their counterparts.
The company reiterated that all fuels distributed through its nationwide network comply with strict quality protocols monitored at its depots. A file image of Vivo Energy Managing Director Peter Murungi accompanied the press release, underscoring the firm’s engagement with the issue.
As the investigation unfolds, Kenyan consumers await further clarity, with the debate fueling broader discussions about fuel standards and corporate accountability in the region.
