Vivo Energy Kenya, the company that distributes and markets Shell branded fuels and lubricants, has today launched a mobile fuel testing laboratory a first of its kind by an Oil Marketing Company (OMC) in Kenya.
This initiative is set to augment the stringent quality control processes that has been implemented throughout the company’s distribution chain. Every motorist’s nightmare is buying adulterated fuels since it damages and shortens the lifespan of the vehicle’s engine. Now henceforth it will be possible to ascertain fuel quality at any Shell fuel stations.
Speaking during the launch Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director, Polycarp Igathe said, “we value our customers and we go through all the processes to ensure that they receive quality products whenever they visit our service stations. We are alive to the fact that that some unscrupulous traders are dealing with adulterated fuels. This is why we have gone an extra mile to bring in the mobile Laboratory in to the market to ensure that we beef up our testing process.”
The mobile lab, fitted into a vehicle, will be collecting samples randomly from Shell stations and commercial customer sites then conducting basic quality tests on site, while also returning samples to the main laboratories at the depots for further analysis where issues are detected.
The mobile testing lab is equipped to produce key test results within 30 minutes. It has a temperature-controlled box to store samples, and also has a sealed/lockable cabinet that is mounted to the floor of the vehicle. The mounting includes special suspension mechanisms so that the vibrations of the moving vehicle do not negatively affect the samples.
The mobile testing lab will be working in collaboration with the trained quality marshals already present at every Shell Service station. Quality marshals receive product, compare loading parameters against offloading parameters, regularly test the product to reconfirm quality, test and confirm the calibration of the pumps, and handle any quality related issues at the station.
Mr. Igathe further added, ” Safety is paramount in Vivo Energy Kenya operations and nothing is left to chance. We appreciate the efforts that the government and its various energy bodies are doing to curb fuel adulteration. To further boost these efforts we urge them to support us as we continually seal avenues that allow this vice.”
The Mobile Laboratory was officially commissioned by a team comprising of, SGS Managing Director Mr. Albert Stokell, Kenya Bureau of Standards-(KEBS) Manager Petroleum Mr. Paschal Vusa and the Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director Mr. Polycarp Igathe.
