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A gas station in Vila Velha is fined for selling regular gasoline as if it were premium, in an operation by the ANP. Just imagine: you, all careful with your car, paying more to guarantee “premium” gasoline, but in fact you are receiving regular fuel.
The National Petroleum Agency (ANP) has stepped up its inspections at gas stations throughout Brazil, and rightly so! In one of its recent operations, a gas station in Vila Velha was fined for selling regular gasoline as if it were premium. This practice is more than just a scam: in addition to harming consumers financially, it can compromise the engines of vehicles that depend on specific fuels to function properly.
It is not today that Frauds at gas stations have been detected, but the scam of selling regular gasoline as if it were premium raises a red flag. After all, if you are paying more expecting a fuel with extra benefits, such as engine protection and better performance, the least you expect is that this is delivered. But, unfortunately, some establishments prefer to take advantage of the unsuspecting consumer.
Common scams at gas stations
This type of fraud is just one of many that occur at gas stations across the country. From adulterating fuel with solvents to delivering smaller quantities than those paid for, the scams are varied. Mixing substances in gasoline or ethanol can cause serious problems for the engine, from loss of efficiency to permanent mechanical failures. In the case of Vila Velha, the scam involved selling regular gasoline as if it were additive at a higher price, directly harming the consumer and their vehicle.
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The ANP has been working rigorously, with the support of the police, carrying out constant inspections. These inspections are essential to ensure that the fuel sold complies with the established quality and quantity standards.
How can consumers protect themselves?
No one likes to be deceived, and in the case of gas stations, the first line of defense is the consumer's own attention. Try to fill up at reliable gas stations, those that are already known for their quality and transparency. In addition, keep a detailed record of all fuelings, including the quantity, date and price paid. This extra care can serve as evidence in case of future problems.
ANP also encourages reports to be made whenever there is suspicion irregularities, whether in the quality of the fuel or in the quantity supplied. At the slightest sign of mechanical problems or abnormal consumption after refueling, it is time to act and report the case to the competent authorities.
Measures taken by ANP
When fraud is detected, the ANP does not hesitate to impose penalties. In the case of the Vila Velha gas station, in addition to the fine, the fuel pump was immediately sealed. In some cases, legal action is also taken to ensure that those responsible are duly punished. These measures are essential to prevent new cases and show that the sector is being closely monitored.
Impact of surveillance on the gas station sector
The inspection work carried out by the ANP has had a positive impact. It not only ensures that drivers can fill up their vehicles with more confidence, but it also creates an environment of greater honesty among gas stations. Those who follow the rules win, while those who try to circumvent the system end up being punished.
Constant monitoring fosters a fairer and more competitive market, where quality prevails. And, ultimately, this only brings benefits to the consumer, who now has more security when choosing where to refuel.
If the fight against fraud at gas stations is still long, at least we are seeing important steps being taken. the gas you put in your tank is exactly what you paid for, no tricks or gimmicks!
The fault lies with those who inspect, as they receive bribes to avoid going to the reported station and issuing the citation.
I have already reported several gas stations in my region.
No one ever showed up there for anything.
The cool thing is that they still put less than 1 liter in your tank. This week I filled up in a hurry at a gas station I've never filled up at before. Why doesn't my wife still put more in? We'll need it, I said no, I have a coupon at the other one and it's cheaper, here it's for emergencies. I left with 3 lines on, it should have been 4, but ok, 1 km later 1 line went out and became 2, from 50 it went between 25 and 30, no more than that. There's a Brazilian gas station, it wasn't a white flag.
In Brazil, the fuel is labeled and has always been more than the original fuel. First, it's an illusion that the car is passing by and the mixed fuel is dripping. And it's not priced, so it's like mother Juana's house, you know what to do?