Shell Kenya has found itself in hot water after an investigation in Nairobi turned conventional wisdom about premium fuel on its head, revealing that paying more at the pump might not always translate to better fuel quality.

Kim JH of Tanuki Garage (@gtrtanuki) tested fuel quality across seven Nairobi petrol stations, uncovering some surprising results that have shocked many within Kenya’s motoring community. The biggest revelation, though, was Shell’s premium V-Power, which fuel performed worse than standard fuel at multiple locations.

The tests measured Pump Octane Number (PON), which averages two crucial performance metrics: the Research Octane Number (RON) for fuel performance in mild conditions and Motor Octane Number (MON) for fuel performance in tougher conditions.

Total Limuru Road topped the list with 92 PON for their standard fuel, while Astrol Rosslyn followed closely at 91 PON. However, the real surprise came from Shell stations, where V-Power fuel scored just 87 PON—significantly lower than the standard fuel at the same locations, which measured 90-91 PON.

Vivo Energy Kenya, Shell’s distributor, quickly responded to the viral test results, asserting that their fuels meet strict quality standards. According to their statement, Shell V-Power should have a Research Octane Number of 95, while their standard unleaded fuel should be at 93 RON.

The company has launched an investigation, including independent laboratory testing, to address the discrepancy.

The findings have ignited heated debates on social media, with many Kenyan motorists questioning the premium they’ve been paying for supposedly higher-quality fuel.

We have compiled a list of some of the best reactions from users on X. Check them out below:

Wacha niweke V-power ndio ichome vizuri
Shell attendant: pic.twitter.com/wB7jCTVxth

— IndexO (@josephkamau_) February 2, 2025

Shell have been selling fake V-power to us Kenyans and EPRA and KEBS are just watching? Or is this Shell untouchable? pic.twitter.com/dMWMuB9Y8I

— Wambua🇰🇪 (@Itswambuaa) February 2, 2025

Shell Ngong Road next to the Junction Mall has served many for a long time until today…

Sometimes the fuel attendants will tell you LEO V POWER na unleaded ni Bei Same… We Jaza Tank na VPower… buana…

We've trusted the franchise for the longest until today Octane Tester pic.twitter.com/6J6BYJfVx8

— Kawangware Finest ™ (Geoffrey Moturi) (@cbs_ke) February 2, 2025

Astrol customer care 1/10
Fuel quality: Price 10/10
Shell customer care 10/10
Fuel v-power: Price 1/10
Windscreen tutaoshea Kwa nyumba Astrol it is

— ted kaunda (@kaundated) February 2, 2025

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has yet to weigh in on the controversy, leading to calls for greater oversight of fuel quality standards in Kenya.