Astrol Petroleum: What You Need To Know (2025)

Let’s take a closer look at Astrol Petroleum, a Kenyan oil company making waves in the competitive downstream petroleum market.

Founded by the late Muranga billionaire Kamau Kabugi, Astrol distinguishes itself through its commitment to quality, service, and competitive pricing.

This article explores the company’s operations, services, and recent news, providing a comprehensive overview of this rising star in Kenya’s fuel industry.

Table of Contents

Company Overview

Astrol Petroleum operates 14 filling stations across Kenya, with 11 located in and around Nairobi.

This strategic focus allows the company to capitalize on Nairobi’s significant market share, which accounts for approximately 60% of Kenya’s petroleum consumption.

The company prides itself on owning all its station locations, eliminating leasing costs, and contributing to its ability to offer competitive fuel prices.

Astrol further enhances its competitive edge by providing a permanent discount of 5 shillings on all fuel purchases.

This strategy of owning land and not franchising, combined with the permanent discount, allows Astrol to offer some of the most affordable fuel prices in the market.

Astrol’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in its direct approach to addressing concerns.

Managing Director James Mwangi emphasizes his personal involvement in the business, stating, “I like to know what is going on, and if a customer complains I am very keen to hear them in person and act accordingly.”

This hands-on approach fosters a strong customer-centric culture within the company.

Recent News and Developments

Astrol Petroleum has recently garnered attention for both its competitive pricing and its involvement in industry events.

In early 2025, a viral video comparing fuel quality across different petrol stations in Nairobi revealed that Astrol’s fuel had a higher Pump Octane Number (PON) than some of its more established competitors.

This independent fuel quality test, conducted by Kim JH of Tanuki Garage, positioned Astrol as a provider of high-quality fuel, potentially disrupting the existing market dynamics.

However, Astrol has also faced scrutiny.

In October 2023, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) launched an investigation into alleged price manipulation at an Astrol station located along Mombasa Road.

The investigation followed complaints from motorists who reported discrepancies between the displayed fuel price and the final amount charged.

While the outcome of the investigation remains undisclosed, the incident highlights the challenges and potential controversies that even a customer-focused company like Astrol can encounter.

Despite these challenges, Astrol maintains a focus on growth and expansion.

The company plans to open one or two new stations each year, further extending its reach and market presence.

This expansion strategy demonstrates Astrol’s commitment to long-term growth and its confidence in the Kenyan fuel market.

In 2015, Astrol faced a situation where contaminated fuel was accidentally sold at one of its stations.

The company responded swiftly by issuing a public apology, identifying all affected motorists, and offering compensation.

This incident, while unfortunate, showcased Astrol’s dedication to taking responsibility and upholding its reputation for integrity.

Products and Services

Astrol’s business model extends beyond simply providing fuel.

The company offers a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the customer experience and cater to diverse needs.

These services are integrated to provide a one-stop shop for vehicle owners:

Fuel Sales: At the heart of Astrol’s operations is the sale of high-quality fuel that meets Kenya’s stringent quality standards. The company imports fuel in bulk and subjects it to rigorous testing upon arrival in the country, ensuring that customers receive reliable and efficient fuel.
Car Wash: Recognizing the importance of vehicle maintenance, Astrol incorporates car wash services into its filling stations. This allows customers to conveniently fuel up and clean their vehicles in one location, saving time and effort.
Engine Checks and Vehicle Servicing: Astrol further expands its service offerings by providing engine checks and vehicle servicing. This proactive approach to vehicle care allows customers to address potential issues and ensure the optimal performance of their vehicles while refueling.
Food and Drink Retail: Understanding the needs of customers on the go, Astrol includes food and drink retail outlets within its stations. This provides a convenient option for refreshments and snacks, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Truck Fleet Fuel Transportation: Beyond individual customers, Astrol caters to the needs of businesses and industries by operating a branded truck fleet that transports fuel directly to clients. This service is particularly valuable for agribusinesses, power stations, and industrial manufacturers who require bulk fuel deliveries.

Astrol Petroleum Locations

Astrol Petroleum has a growing network of filling stations strategically located across Kenya. Here are the details of two known locations:

Location	City/Town	County
Plot L.R No. 4885/124 AND 4885/125 RIRONI	Kikuyu	Kiambu
Mombasa Road	Mlolongo	Machakos

Contact Information

You can contact Astrol Petroleum at their main office:

Address: P.O. Box 11823-00400, Nairobi, Kenya

Conclusion

Astrol Petroleum has emerged as a significant player in Kenya’s fuel industry, challenging the dominance of multinational corporations through its commitment to quality, competitive pricing, and customer-centric services.

The company’s strategic focus on owning land and not franchising enables it to offer affordable fuel prices, while its diverse service offerings cater to a wide range of customer needs.

Despite facing scrutiny and challenges, Astrol continues to expand its operations and solidify its position in the market.

Looking ahead, Astrol’s future appears promising.

The company’s commitment to growth, coupled with the potential development of Kenya’s domestic oil production in the Turkana region, suggests that Astrol is well-positioned to play a key role in the evolving energy landscape of Kenya.

As the company continues to expand and innovate, it has the potential to become a leading force in Kenya’s fuel industry, driving competition and providing consumers with high-quality fuel and services at competitive prices.