How to know if your fuel vendor is selling contaminated fuel

You can joke with anything but not with fuel, at a time when Kenyans are paying dearly courtesy of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) review of Monday, April 14, 2026, that saw prices skyrocket.

Most motorists in Kenya, if not all, exercise caution when it comes to fuelling their cars, motorbikes and other machines.

That is because every litre matters. Nobody wants to spend heavily at the pump, only for the vehicle to start developing problems a few minutes later.

Yet sometimes, after refuelling, a car suddenly feels weak, rough or unusual on the road.

When that happens, many drivers begin asking one question: Was the fuel clean?

Contaminated fuel may contain water, dirt, wrong product mix or impurities that affect engine performance. Here are some signs many Kenyan motorists can easily relate to.

Car changes instantly

One of the clearest signs is what happens immediately after leaving the station.

If the vehicle was fine before refuelling, then suddenly starts jerking, losing power or struggling to pick speed, the fuel could be part of the problem.

You may also notice rough idling, knocking sounds or delayed response when accelerating.

Not every issue means bad fuel, but sudden changes after a fuel stop deserve attention.

The engine starts stalling

When fuel is clean, the engine burns it smoothly.

But if water or dirt finds its way into the tank, the engine may misfire, shake or even stall in traffic.

For riders, a motorbike may start cutting power or refusing to respond properly.

Some modern cars may also show a check engine light.

Fuel finishes too fast

With current pump prices, most Kenyans know how far Ksh1,000 or Ksh2,000 can take them.

So if fuel suddenly starts finishing too quickly on the same route and the same driving style, quality may be the issue.

Poor fuel can reduce efficiency and force the engine to consume more than usual.

Smoke or smell changes

Another warning sign is unusual smoke or a strange smell from the exhaust.

If the vehicle begins producing fumes it did not have before, especially after fuelling, do not ignore it.

That may mean combustion is no longer clean.

Others are complaining too

Sometimes the biggest clue is not your car alone.

If several motorists from the same station are complaining of similar problems on the same day, that pattern matters.

Shared complaints can point to a common issue at the pump.

What to do

Keep your receipt. Note the station name, pump number, date and time.

If the vehicle is struggling badly, avoid forcing it to continue driving.

Have it checked by a qualified mechanic and report concerns to the relevant authorities.

Fuel is too expensive for guesswork. If your vehicle changes immediately after refuelling, pay attention.

In many cases, the car starts speaking before bigger damage happens.