We are committed to ensuring Ugandans receive high-quality fuel products- Vivo

Vivo Energy Uganda has re-assured its customers that it has set in place innovative product quality control measures to ensure high-quality Shell fuels and lubricants.

During a media tour aimed at providing deeper insights into the company’s quality assurance processes and product journey, Elyanu Geoffrey, Supply and Distribution Manager, emphasized that despite the change from the government of Kenya to the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) as the supplier, Vivo Energy’s quality assurance processes and supply chain remain unchanged.

He highlighted that 90% of Uganda's fuel imports will still transit through the Mombasa port via Kenya Pipeline Company infrastructure, with the remaining 10% coming through Dar es Salaam.

At every point of custody transfer in our supply chain, we ensure quality from Mombasa to Busia, and finally into Kampala, Mbale, and Entebbe. We track our product through these points where we have stringent quality control and assurance processes," Elyanu explained.

To further differentiate itself and the Shell products it markets, Vivo Energy Uganda has established long-standing quality control processes across its entire supply chain. These measures ensure that Shell’s high-quality fuels and lubricants reach end-users at the exact quality levels expected. The company performs density checks, water testing, and appearance testing to confirm that products meet agreed specifications before distribution to service stations.

Elyanu reassured that the company would continue its stringent quality assurance and supply processes, regardless of the changes in suppliers.

"We still have the same checkpoints and qualified staff to ensure that the product arrives as it left the ships and pipeline. We will continue serving you with the same commitment," he emphasized.

Vivo Energy Uganda also operates a modern fuel-testing laboratory accredited as the only local fuel testing lab with this standard in Uganda. The accreditation assures the competency of the laboratory and its personnel. Another key pillar of the company's robust quality check tools is a mobile quality testing laboratory that conducts product quality spot checks regularly at service stations across the country. This ensures consistent delivery on the customer promise regarding the unique quality benefits Shell fuels offer.

He further clarified that Vivo Energy Uganda would continue importing specialized and proprietary fuels such as Heavy Fuel Oil and Shell V-Power directly from Shell in the Middle East. Additionally, the company will maintain its private imports of premium-grade lubricants from Europe and South Africa.

Vivo Energy Uganda has been distributing and marketing Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda since 2013. The company is part of the Vivo Energy Group, which operates in various regions across Africa, offering fuels, lubricants, LPG, and chemicals to a wide range of business sectors.

During the media tour, journalists were given an in-depth look at Vivo Energy's supply chain and fuel quality processes. They visited the company's tank farm depot and the Quality Fuels Laboratory, where they observed the rigorous quality assurance processes. Experts demonstrated the various internationally certified quality tests conducted at multiple stages, from the fuel's entry into the country to its distribution at over 189 fuel stations.

Additionally, the media toured the Shell Gas filling plant, learning about the quality and safety checks that Shell Gas cylinders undergo before reaching the market. Bibian Geraldine Nakabiri, Brand Manager for LPG, emphasized the safety features distinguishing Shell Gas, such as tamper-proof and QR-coded seals.

Kennedy Ggwanga, HSSEQ Manager, reaffirmed the company's commitment to maintaining the highest international Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) standards. "Achieving and maintaining top HSSEQ standards is integral to our business and sets Vivo Energy apart in Africa," he stated.

With a retail offering which includes fuels, lubricants, convenience stores, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to business customers across a range of sectors such as marine, aviation, mining, construction, power, transport, agriculture and manufacturing.

The Vivo Energy Group operates and markets its products in countries across North, West, East, Southern Africa and in the Ocean Islands.

The extended Group has a network of over 3,900 service stations in 28 markets operating under the Engen and Shell brands and exports lubricants to a number of other African countries.