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Gas stations are deceiving drivers! The ANP is stepping up inspections after cases of adulterated gasoline and scams that can damage your vehicle. Million-dollar fines have already been applied, but the fraud continues!
A fraud at gas stations has become a constant concern for consumers and regulatory bodies.
Given the increase in irregularities, the National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) expanded its supervision in several states, seeking to curb practices such as the sale of adulterated fuel and the manipulation of fuel pumps.
One of the most recent cases occurred in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, where a gas station was caught selling regular gasoline as if it were additive, deceiving consumers.
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In the state of São Paulo, an establishment located on Avenida das Juntas Provisórias, in the south of the capital, was closed after inspection by ANP, which identified irregularities in both the quality of the fuel and the operation of the pumps.
Common scams and severe penalties
The most common scam used by gas stations involves the adulteration of gasoline with low-quality substances or the excessive addition of anhydrous ethanol, which impairs vehicle performance and can cause serious damage to the engine.
Another common practice is bomb handling, which causes consumers to pay for a larger amount of fuel than is actually being put in the tank.
Establishments caught committing these irregularities are subject to fines ranging from R$5 to R$5 million, in addition to the prohibition of activities and possible cancellation of state registration.
The penalty occurs after an administrative process, in which the owners have the right to defense, as provided for in current legislation.
How to report an irregular post
A consumer collaboration is essential to combat these frauds.
Anyone who identifies suspicious practices can file a anonymous complaint to the ANP through the Ombudsman's Office, by telephone 0800 970 0267.
In addition, other channels such as Procon and the Public Prosecutor's Office can also be used in cases of irregularities.
To ensure that the complaint is more effective, it is recommended that the consumer keep the supply receipt, as this document can serve as evidence in investigations and proceedings against offending stations.
How to avoid falling for scams when refueling
To reduce the risk of being deceived by adulterated fuels, drivers should take some precautions:
Choose reliable stations
Give preference to well-known networks certified by Inmetro;
Check if the station has the ANP quality seal;
Be wary of prices that are much lower than the market average.
Quality check
Request a fuel quality test at the gas station itself;
Observe the transparency and color of the ethanol;
Check the percentage of ethanol mixed with gasoline, which should be a maximum of 27%.
Always ask for the invoice
The invoice is proof of supply and can be used in cases of complaint.
The damage of adulterated fuel
The use of low quality fuels can cause severe damage to the vehicle's engine, resulting in high maintenance costs. The most common problems include:
Increased fuel consumption, reducing the car's efficiency;
Residue deposits in the engine, which compromises the vehicle's performance;
Premature wear of spark plugs and fuel injectors;
Possible catalyst damage, an essential part of reducing pollutants.
To avoid losses, drivers should pay attention to signs such as loss of power, acceleration failures, increased consumption and strange engine noises.
If you notice these anomalies, we recommend that you immediately seek out a mechanic to analyze the vehicle.
According to experts, given the increase in fraud at gas stations, it is essential that Drivers, be alert and report any irregularities.
ANP continues to expand its inspections to guarantee consumer safety and the quality of fuels sold in Brazil.
To avoid losses and ensure the vehicle functions properly, it is essential to choose reliable posts, demand quality tests and always request the invoice of supply.
This way, drivers contribute to a fairer and safer market.
In particular, I only put alcohol in my vehicle, but in this country of anarchy, we are all always robbed of everything, there is no justice, it is a country of make-believe because criminal factions are also in the gas stations and in the bus companies. This is the country that only cares about collecting taxes!
We are abandoning ourselves to our own fate.
We only have Jesus Christ to save us!
Vehicle manufacturers must install flow meters at the fuel tank inlet. This should be the law against fuel fraud.