Vivo Energy responds to concerns over Shell V-Power's quality

In a statement on Sunday, Vivo Energy reaffirmed that all fuel imports in Kenya adhere to strict quality standards and fall into two Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95).

"Our fuel imports into Kenya adhere to strict quality standards, with two standard Research Octane Number (RON) categories: Unleaded (RON 93) and Shell V-Power (RON 95). Each shipment is certified at source and undergoes further rigorous testing upon arrival into the country," the statement read.

Vivo Energy emphasized its commitment to maintaining high-quality fuel, ensuring that stringent quality control measures are in place following the reports.

"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 stated.

Vivo Energy Kenya also confirmed that it is taking the claims seriously and has launched a comprehensive investigation, including independent laboratory testing.

"We take these claims seriously and have initiated a comprehensive investigation, including independent laboratory testing. We will provide further updates once our review is complete," the statement concluded.

On Sunday morning, content creator William Kimm, known online as GTR Tanuki, posted a video documenting fuel tests at seven different stations. 

According to Tanuki, his findings revealed that some premium fuels performed worse than their standard counterparts.

He claimed that results from Shell stations contradicted the common belief that premium fuel always outperforms regular options. 

In his findings from one station, the V-Power premium fuel scored 87 PON, whereas the standard fuel at the same station achieved a higher 91 PON.

Vivo Energy Kenya, established in November 2012 serves market segments from retail to commercial customers with a full range of automotive fuels, lubricants, aviation fuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and black fuels.

The company has oil storage terminals in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nanyuki; aviation services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport, Mombasa International Airport, and Malindi Airport; and a lubricating oil blending plant in Mombasa.