The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has reported a successful enforcement operation targeting a major illegal fuel siphoning den in the Port Reitz area of Mombasa County.
The operation was led by EPRA’s Coast region Surveillance and Enforcement team, under the leadership of Coast Regional Manager, Mr. Francis Keri.
It was conducted jointly with the National Police Service, led by Coast Regional Police Commander, Mr. Ali Nuno.
“The enforcement team led by Coast Regional Manager, Mr. Francis Keri and Coast Regional Police Commander, Mr. Ali Nuno, led a successful enforcement operation targeting a major illegal fuel siphoning den in the Port Reitz area, Mombasa County.”
EPRA recovers the siphoned diesel
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the enforcement operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 23,000 litres of siphoned diesel, which had been illegally stored.
“This enforcement action was undertaken following the Petroleum Act, Cap 308, specifically Section 99(1)(i),” EPRA stated.
Section 99(1)(i) of the Petroleum Act, Cap 308, provides that:
“A person or entity that owns or operates an unlicensed petroleum storage, filling, or handling facility, or who illegally acquires, handles, or is found in possession of petroleum products, commits an offence.”
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) confirmed that the recovered diesel had been handled in violation of the law, as it was stored in an unlicensed facility.
“The joint operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 23,000 litres of siphoned diesel, which had been illegally stored,” EPRA confirmed.
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The authority reiterated that such actions constitute an offence under the cited legal provision.
In a statement shared on the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s official account, the authority said:
“EPRA and the National Police Service reaffirm their commitment to ensuring compliance with petroleum regulations, safeguarding public safety and the environment.”
Further investigations to follow
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and as EPRA noted, legal actions will be taken against all individuals found culpable.
The enforcement exercise was carried out in line with existing laws and regulations governing the handling, storage, and distribution of petroleum products in Kenya.
The authority has not released further details about the individuals involved or the exact location within Port Reitz where the operation was conducted.
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However, the authority confirmed that the diesel was siphoned and stored in violation of the Petroleum Act.
EPRA and the NPS remain engaged in the investigation and have indicated that more actions may follow based on the findings.
“Investigations are ongoing, and legal action will be taken against all individuals found culpable,” The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority said.
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