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The Fiscalization Scenario at Fuel Stations in Brazil Raises Important Questions About Consumer Confidence and New Anti-Fraud Technologies in Constant Evolution, Revealing an Alert for Consumers and Authorities.
By April 2025, over 1,400 fuel stations were penalized for irregularities in their pumps, reflecting a growing concern about the accuracy of the volumes delivered to consumers.
According to data released by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), more than 1,400 violations were recorded, corresponding to about 30% of inspections carried out throughout Brazil.
These failures directly impact the transparency and consumer trust in fuel supply in the country.
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Among 4,876 inspections conducted by the ANP, 1,497 stations received fines for issues related to the amount of fuel supplied, ranging from discrepancies in the actual volume delivered to consumers to technological fraud that would manipulate the measurement of fuel.
The volume of irregularities raised an alert for the responsible authorities, who seek to increase inspections and ensure that consumers are not harmed by fraudulent practices.
São Paulo Leads the Penalties, Followed by Minas Gerais and Goiás
The state of São Paulo stands out as the leader in penalties, with 414 violations recorded after 1,083 inspections conducted.
This number represents a particular concern regarding the accuracy of fuel supply in one of Brazil’s largest consumer centers.
Minas Gerais occupies the second position, with 246 violations arising from 777 inspections.
Goiás, in turn, completes the podium with 151 penalties out of a total of 480 inspections conducted.
The states with the lowest rates of irregularities include Maranhão, Amapá, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte, with fewer than ten violations each.
However, this does not mean that these states are free of failures, but rather that the oversight there may be stricter or less intense, as indicated by the numbers.
Technological Frauds Are a Growing Challenge
Fraud at fuel stations is an old problem, but in 2025, the use of illegal technologies in fuel pumps has become one of the greatest challenges for regulatory agencies.
Electronic devices that manipulate the measurement have become a common way to defraud consumers, simulating larger volumes than those actually delivered.
In some situations, illegal systems are embedded in the pumps, such as chips, that alter the results invisibly to the consumer.
A consumer who intended to fill their tank with 40 liters of fuel, for example, may fall victim to a trick, receiving only 36 liters, even though the meter indicates 48 liters.
However, the ANP clarifies that oversight of this specific electronic fraud is not within its jurisdiction.
The verification of the chips installed in the pumps is the responsibility of Inmetro, the agency responsible for the calibration and control of measurement standards in Brazil.
The ANP, therefore, works together with Inmetro when the suspicion of volumetric fraud is raised.
Consumer Right: How to Request the Measurement Test at the Pumps?
According to the ANP, consumers have the right to demand that the fuel station provide a measurement test of the supplied volume, using the device known as the “standard measure of 20 liters.”
This test, which should be performed by the station transparently and at no cost to the consumer, can be requested directly by anyone who suspects irregularities in the supply.
Additionally, all stations are required to keep available to the public the Inmetro certification regarding the proper functioning of the pumps.
If there is suspicion that the pump is tampered with, the ANP can call Inmetro to carry out the necessary inspections.
This joint verification process is essential to ensure that the quantity of fuel delivered matches what is truly recorded on the pump.
Digital Platform Helps Consumers Find Safe Stations
The increasing number of penalties led the Institute of Weights and Measures of São Paulo (Ipem-SP) to launch an innovative digital platform.
This tool allows consumers to locate stations that operate with certified anti-fraud pumps.
This technology, which prevents manipulation of measurement devices, is a significant step towards transparency in fuel supply and consumer protection.
The certification platform of anti-fraud pumps is based on Technical Metrological Regulation No. 227/2022 from Inmetro and can be accessed by anyone.
It provides updated data on establishments that adhere to the regulations and are equipped with devices that ensure real and accurate measurements.
According to Marcos Guerson, superintendent of Ipem-SP, digital fraud occurs when a chip is placed inside the pump, generating an unreal measurement.
The consumer may put 40 liters in the tank and the pump registers 48 liters, a clear scam against those who pay for fuel they did not receive.
Ranking of Penalties in Brazilian States
ANP inspections resulted in a ranking of violations by state, reflecting the most problematic areas in Brazil regarding fraud at fuel stations.
Here are the top ten states with the highest number of violations and inspections:
- São Paulo – 414 violations / 1,083 inspections
- Minas Gerais – 246 violations / 777 inspections
- Goiás – 151 violations / 480 inspections
- Rio Grande do Sul – 130 violations / 329 inspections
- Rio de Janeiro – 119 violations / 418 inspections
- Ceará – 70 violations / 119 inspections
- Bahia – 72 violations / 322 inspections
- Paraná – 53 violations / 187 inspections
- Pará – 32 violations / 148 inspections
- Federal District – 26 violations / 115 inspections
On the other hand, Amapá, Maranhão, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte stand out for having the lowest number of violations, with fewer than ten occurrences each.
This can be seen as a reflection of stricter oversight or lower incidence of fraud in those states.
The Future of Inspections: What is Ahead?
Given the high number of irregularities, it is expected that the ANP and competent authorities will adopt more advanced technologies for fraud detection.
Additionally, initiatives such as the digital platform for certification of anti-fraud stations in São Paulo may serve as a model for other regions in Brazil.
It is important to remember that while oversight is critical, consumer education also plays a crucial role.
Increasing awareness about the right to demand measurement tests at the pumps and how to identify fraudulent practices is a vital part of combating these frauds in fuel supply.
And you, have you ever experienced fraud at a fuel station? How did you act at the time? Share your story in the comments!
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