Vivo Energy plc, a licensee of the Shell brand has come under fire in the recent past for its V power product sold under Shell. Shell’s premium fuel, V-Power, has recently come under scrutiny in Kenya following claims that its Performance Octane Number (PON) may not be significantly different from regular petrol.
The issue was highlighted by a viral video from content creator Tanuki Garage, who conducted independent fuel tests at several petrol stations in Nairobi. His findings have raised serious concerns about whether Shell is using an incorrect standard rating for its V-Power fuel, leading to discrepancies in expected performance.
The Discrepancy in Ratings
The controversy stems from the way octane ratings are measured. In Kenya, Vivo Energy, which operates Shell stations, has stated that Shell V-Power is rated at 95 Research Octane Number (RON), while regular unleaded petrol is rated at 93 RON. However, a social media user pointed out a crucial distinction: in many regions, including the United States, octane ratings are displayed using the Pump Octane Number (PON), which is calculated as the average of RON and the Motor Octane Number (MON). The user observed:
“PON = (RON+MON)/2… (96.6+85.4)/2=91. In other words, your V-Power has the same PON as regular fuel from some other suppliers. Could you clarify what is the standard PON for V-Power and what advantage it has over regular petrol with a similar PON?” – @jacouf posted on X.
This raises an important question: If the V-Power fuel in Kenya has a PON of 91, how does it differ from other regular fuels that may offer the same PON rating at a lower cost?
Vivo Energy’s Past Response
Vivo Energy released a statement on Monday reaffirming that all fuel imports in Kenya adhere to strict quality standards and are categorized under two RON values:
- Unleaded fuel: RON 93
- Shell V-Power: RON 95
The company insisted that each shipment undergoes rigorous testing before being distributed through Shell’s service station network. However, despite these assurances, Vivo Energy did not address the key concern: whether PON is the more relevant standard for evaluating performance, and if so, how Shell V-Power compares to other fuels.
Independent Findings Raise Further Doubts
Tanuki Garage’s tests indicated that in at least one Shell station, the V-Power fuel recorded a PON of 87, while the standard fuel at the same station scored a higher 91 PON. If accurate, these findings challenge the widely held assumption that premium fuel offers superior performance and efficiency compared to regular options.
This discrepancy suggests that either Shell is using an inconsistent rating system for its fuel or that the supposed benefits of V-Power in Kenya may not be as pronounced as advertised. Without transparent clarification from Vivo Energy, consumers are left wondering whether they are paying a premium price for a product that may not deliver the expected advantages.
The Need for Clarity
Kenyan motorists deserve clear and accurate information about the fuel they purchase. If Shell V-Power is indeed meant to offer better performance and efficiency, Vivo Energy must clarify:
- Which standard is being applied to Shell V-Power in Kenya: RON or PON?
- How does Shell V-Power provide a tangible advantage over regular petrol if it has a similar PON rating?
- Will Shell consider aligning its rating system with global best practices to ensure consumers get accurate information?
Until these questions are answered, many drivers may reconsider whether paying extra for V-Power is genuinely worth it. Earlier in the week, Vivo Energy initiated an independent investigation and maintained that V power was up to standard. However, unless the company provides transparency on the actual rating of V Power, RON vs PON, the trust of Kenyan consumers may remain in question.
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