Clean Fuel Operation in São Paulo Penalizes 55 Gas Stations for Irregularities; Discover How to Recognize Gasoline, Diesel, Ethanol, and CNG Scams

Six Common Scams Are Applied at Fuel Stations in the Country. However, They Are Crimes of Difficult Identification for the Average Consumer. 

With the constant spikes in fuel prices for gasoline, ethanol, diesel, and CNG, consumers resort to low prices, but this may bring significant losses. The Clean Fuel Operation, conducted by the Weights and Measures Institute of the State of São Paulo (Ipem-SP) since October 2021, analyzed 103 fuel stations in cities across the state during this period. In total, 55 stations presented irregularities and were penalized.

However, it is necessary to demand the receipt to prove the refueling so that a complaint can be made in case of possible damages caused, but we do not always remember to do so. And pay attention to lower prices for diesel, gasoline, ethanol, and CNG, the most commercially available in the region: this should always be a warning sign since, to lower fuel costs, stations may add harmful substances to the vehicle.  

According to the Legal Fuel Institute, six common scams are applied at fuel stations in the country when selling diesel, gasoline, ethanol, and CNG. However, they are crimes of difficult identification for the average consumer. 

See The Most Common Scams Being Applied in The Sale of Fuels: Gasoline, Ethanol, Diesel, and CNG.

CNG With Pressure Above Ideal 

Some stations sell compressed natural gas (CNG) with pressure above the allowed limit, a percentage that should not exceed 2%. The Institute blocks the irregular pump during inspections. 

Adulterated Fuel

These are so-called fuels with inappropriate mixtures, which can harm the vehicle or the health of the driver or passenger. The damages depend on the substance added. 

When refueling with ethanol, for instance, the consumer should pay attention to the densitometer at the pump, which has an object that floats inside an hourglass. When it moves, it means the fuel is passing through it. If the red part of the densitometer is above the level of the liquid, the ethanol has issues. 

Fraudulent Pump 

The display shows a quantity greater than what is actually delivered to the consumer.  

This is not the same as a low pump,  which refers to when the pump shows a small variation but is still permitted by law. In Brazil, the accepted difference for every 20 liters of fuel is 60ml less or 100ml more. 

Adulterated Diesel 

Biodiesel content below the indicated level. In 2022, this value corresponds to 10%. Another irregularity is the addition of water and sediments to the fuel, which directly impacts engine performance. 

Excess Ethanol in Gasoline

Hydrated ethanol is mixed in the same tank as gasoline. When this happens, gasoline consumption is higher. The ideal ethanol content to mix with regular gasoline is 27%, and for premium gasoline, it is 25%. 

Beach Station 

This is the famous gas station that mimics a well-known brand.