Vivo Energy Kenya has launched an investigation following a viral video questioning the quality of Shell V-Power fuel sold at select Shell service stations in the country.

The controversial video by Tanuki Garage Youtube channel titled "Testing Petrol Quality in Kenya", has sparked debate online, with concerns raised over whether the premium fuel meets the expected standards.

In response, the company, which is the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell products in Kenya, has reaffirmed its commitment to quality assurance.

“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,” Vivo Energy Kenya stated.

The company added that its depots operate under stringent quality control measures to ensure all fuels meet regulatory requirements before distribution across its nationwide network of Shell service stations.

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“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.

With the investigation ongoing, fuel consumers will be awaiting further clarification from Vivo Energy Kenya regarding the integrity of Shell V-Power fuel in the market.

The video posted on Tanuki Garage Youtube channel saw a Youtuber test fuel from Shell, Astrol, Rubis and Total and claimed that the quality of Shell's V-Power was lower in terms of the Research Octane Number (RON) number than its normal unleaded fuel sparking a wild debate on social media prompting Shell to respond through Vivo Energy Kenya, its parent company.

The Youtuber alleged that results from fuel tested at various Shell stations exhibited contradicting results to what most Kenyans believe premium fuel is better than regular.

In tests he conducted at one fuel station in Nairobi, the V-Power premium fuel scored 87 PON compared to regular petrol at the same station which scored a higher 91 PON figure.

Vivo Energy Kenya, formed in November 2012 serves retail and commercial clients with automotive fuels, aviation fuels, lubricants, black fuels and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

It has oil storage terminals in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nanyuki, and offers aviation services at the Jomo Kenyatta International, Mombasa International, Wilson and Malindi airports.