The authority says it has gathered substantial intelligence indicating widespread malpractice within the fuel distribution chain.
According to KRA officials, several filling stations have been implicated in activities such as fuel adulteration, under-declaration of sales, electronic tax register manipulation and the diversion of transit fuel back into the local market.
These illegal practices not only deny the government billions in revenue but also expose consumers to substandard products that can damage vehicles and machinery.
A senior KRA source revealed that recent audits and surveillance operations uncovered discrepancies between declared sales and actual fuel volumes dispensed.
Some stations were found to have tampered with pumps to deliver less fuel than consumers paid for, while others operated without proper licensing or avoided paying excise duty altogether.
“KRA will not tolerate any business that undermines fair trade, consumer protection and national revenue collection,” the authority stated.
“We are launching a rigorous countrywide enforcement campaign to ensure full compliance across the petroleum sector.”
The crackdown will involve multi-agency teams comprising KRA officers, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and county enforcement units.
Officials say the operation will include impromptu inspections, pump tests, fuel quality checks and audits of electronic tax devices.
Petrol station operators found culpable could face heavy penalties, licence revocations, business closures or prosecution.
KRA has urged honest fuel dealers to cooperate and report competitors engaging in fraudulent activities.
The authority emphasised that the campaign is not meant to intimidate legitimate businesses but to restore fairness in the sector and protect consumers from exploitation.
As enforcement begins, motorists and industry players are watching keenly to see how far the crackdown will reach.
