A viral video circulating on Kenyan social media has sparked debate after a man appeared to use a fuel pump to spray petrol onto a vehicle at a filling station.
The clip shared online, has drawn criticism over the potential dangers of handling fuel outside its intended use. However, the exact location and circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently verified.
The footage has also renewed concerns about fuel-station safety and the risks of turning potentially dangerous acts into social media content.
Why Washing a Car With Petrol Is Dangerous
Petrol is highly flammable and releases vapours that can ignite under the right conditions. Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) warns against using petroleum products as cleaning agents.
Spraying petrol over a vehicle at a filling station can expose people nearby to unnecessary fire and health risks.
Fuel vapours may ignite when they encounter a suitable ignition source. A fire could endanger motorists, attendants and other people at the station.
Petrol exposure can also irritate the skin. Breathing concentrated vapours may cause headaches, dizziness and other harmful effects.
For these reasons, petrol should only be handled for its intended purpose and according to appropriate safety procedures.
Could Petrol Damage a Vehicle’s Paint?
Petrol is not a suitable substitute for automotive shampoo. Its solvent properties may affect waxes, protective coatings and some vehicle materials, depending on the surface and exposure.
Repeated or prolonged contact can also affect certain rubber and plastic components. The extent of any damage depends on the vehicle’s materials and the amount of fuel involved. Motorists should therefore use products specifically designed for vehicle cleaning rather than petrol or other fuels.
Kenyans React to the Viral Clip
The video has prompted online discussion about responsibility at filling stations and the influence of social media trends.
Some viewers have criticised the apparent act as reckless, while others have questioned why the situation was allowed to continue.
The footage alone does not establish whether the man intended to create viral content or whether station staff took any action. No official response or regulatory action related to this specific incident was verified for this report.
What Motorists Should Remember
EPRA’s petroleum safety guidance advises against using petrol as a cleaning agent and stresses the importance of handling petroleum products safely.
Motorists should use designated car-washing facilities and suitable cleaning products. Anyone who witnesses unsafe fuel handling should alert station staff and avoid approaching or interfering with a potentially hazardous situation.
The viral clip serves as a reminder that fuel-station safety should take priority over entertainment or online attention.
