As per the officials, the operation focused on a fuel smuggling ring thought to be utilizing weak borders along the Kenya–Ethiopia frontier to transport oil into the nation without paying duties or adhering to safety regulations.
The operation was overseen by Major Augustine Ouma, deputy director of Epra, and carried out in collaboration with the Energy Police Unit, the Border Patrol Unit, and other officials from the organization, based on information obtained about the cartel’s operations.
Three individuals suspected of involvement in the operation have been taken into custody and are currently detained at Moyale police station awaiting formal charges.
“A top-tier inter-agency mission carried out in Moyale, Marsabit“County, our always watchful Surveillance and Enforcement team has today confiscated more than 35,000 liters of illegal petroleum products being brought into the country through weak border areas,” the state agency stated in a release.
The authorities stated that the illegal trade has been harming legitimate fuel sellers and jeopardizing the stability of the official energy market.
“Unlawful fuel smuggling is causing licensed fuel stations to close, leading to loss of government income, and putting Kenyans at risk of substandard products. We will keep breaking up these operations, and all those involved will be held fully accountable,” Ouma stated.
Epra pointed out that the entry of untaxed and unregulated petroleum products has created an unfair competitive environment in the industry, leading some authorized dealers to reduce their activities or shut down completely because smugglers are offering prices that are not economically viable.
Furthermore, the regulatory body cautioned that these items present significant public safety dangers, as they frequently do not comply with necessary quality requirements.
Fuel that is not properly refined can harm vehicle engines, create risks of fires during transport and storage, and lead to environmental contamination.
Epra is required to oversee the importation, processing, storage, transport, and sale of oil products in Kenya.
Its responsibilities involve verifying that all petroleum available to consumers complies with the mandated quality and safety standards, while also safeguarding government income and maintaining market equilibrium.
The regulatory body also manages price controls for fuel items, regularly publishing monthly price assessments to protect customers from being taken advantage of while maintaining stability in the distribution network.
The Authority mentioned that the most recent confiscation is a part of its continuous nationwide initiatives aimed at eradicating cartels and reinstating honesty within the energy industry.
Epra informed the public that enforcement activities will keep happening and cautioned individuals engaged in unlawful trading to stop or face arrest and legal action.
Epra continues to strongly protect Kenya’s energy sector, and guarantees the public of ongoing nationwide enforcement to defend consumers, ensure revenue collection, and maintain industry standards,Epra stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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