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Find out how gas stations in Rio de Janeiro are being investigated and closed for selling adulterated fuel. Learn the risks, how to identify fraud and how to report it!
Fuel adulteration in Brazil is a serious problem. It also threatens consumer safety, damages vehicles and harms the environment.
Therefore, the Rio de Janeiro authorities have stepped up inspections and consequently launched a major operation to combat the sale of adulterated fuels.
According to G1, in March 2025, an operation in Rio de Janeiro closed several posts of fuels. Thus, this action is part of a series of inspections initiated in 2023 to prevent fraud in the sector.
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Fuel Fraud: How Does It Work?
A adulteration occurs when prohibited substances, such as solvents, methanol or excess anhydrous ethanol, are mixed with gasoline or ethanol. Thus, product quality is drastically reducedOr this causes damage to engines.
Furthermore, this crime has a serious impact on the environment, as inappropriate chemicals contaminate the soil and groundwater.
Authorities take action against irregular fuels
A National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), together with the Public Ministry and the Civil Police, intensified actions against this type of crime in Rio de Janeiro.
According to the portal O Globo, in December 2024, an operation in Nova Iguaçu closed a clandestine warehouse which supplied adulterated fuel to gas stations throughout the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.
A investigation revealed that the site distributed thousands of liters of contaminated fuel per week
In addition, the operation found stations selling gasoline with a high methanol content, highly toxic substance banned in Brazil.
As a consequence, the consumption of adulterated fuel generates mechanical failures and increases pollutant emissions, harming public health and the environment.
Consequences for irregular gas stations
During operation, authorities sealed pumps selling adulterated fuel and applied fines to the establishments involved.
Furthermore, those responsible for the gas stations may be held criminally liable for consumer fraud and environmental crimes. In more serious cases, the gas station's operating license may be revoked.
In June 2023, according to Agência Brasil, three gas stations were closed in Rio de Janeiro for selling ethanol with the presence of methanol.
For this reason, ANP recommends that consumers report irregularities when identifying signs of adulterated fuel.
Among the The main symptoms are excessive consumption, difficulty starting the engine and sudden vehicle failures.. In this way, these reports strengthen oversight and help reduce this type of fraud.
Tips to avoid adulterated fuel
To avoid losses, drivers must know how to identify low-quality fuel.
In this way, some tips can help:
- Check the origin: Prefer to fill up at well-known gas stations with a good reputation.
- Note the price: Values well below market values indicate a possible risk of adulteration.
- Attention to consumption: A sudden increase in vehicle consumption may be a sign of tampering.
- Analyze performance: Engine misfires, difficulty starting the car, and loss of power are common signs of bad fuel.
How and where to report adulterated fuels
If you suspect fraud, report it to ANP over the phone 0800-970-0267 or on the official website.
Fuel adulteration is a serious crime which affects consumers and harms the environment.
Furthermore, consumers should be careful to only refuel at trusted locations and report any suspected irregularities.
In addition to paying a high price, we have no assurance of quality.
There should be a very large penalty, as this causes damage that hurts the consumer's pocket, causing damage and defects in the car that sometimes forces the owner to go into debt at a time when they are in financial trouble and need the car.
It's really absurd, this government only takes from us with absurd taxes!