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ANP Oversight Reveals Operations with Irregular Fuel and Strict Measures at Stations in Eight States; Seizures and Closures Directly Impact Drivers and Consumers Attentive to Fuel Quality.
The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) released the results of the oversight operation conducted between July 14 and 17 in eight Brazilian states.
The action, which focused on assessing fuel quality, accuracy of the measuring pumps, compliance of equipment, mandatory documentation, and combating the sale of products outside specifications, identified serious irregularities at several stations and distributors.
Strict Oversight in São Paulo
In São Paulo, a joint operation with Procon-SP inspected 36 stations and five lubricant distributors in nine municipalities, including the capital.
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The highlight was the seizure of 1,407 liters of unregistered lubricants, just in Osasco, in addition to the closure of three stations selling ethanol with methanol presence.
Another establishment was fined for operating without legal authorization.
Also in the state, inspections in Indaiatuba, Sumaré, and Bragança Paulista revealed significant irregularities, with equipment not meeting required standards.
Minas Gerais Reports Issues in Pumps and Documentation
In Minas Gerais, the team inspected 30 stations, one LPG distributor, and one TRR in 15 municipalities.
In Uberlândia, a station was closed for improper storage and use of a “low pump”, which causes loss to consumers by measuring less fuel than sold.
In Belo Horizonte, lack of a densitometer and absence of information about the fuel source justified fines.
Another 12 establishments – among Betim, Contagem, and Sete Lagoas – faced violation notices for incomplete documents, lack of mandatory equipment, and errors in price panels.
Joint Operation Closes Stations in Rio de Janeiro
In Rio de Janeiro, the ANP joined a task force with the State Department of Finance, Civil Police, Military Police, IPEM-RJ, Agenersa, and Naturgy, inspecting 12 stations in the capital.
Seven were closed for operating without State Registration; three sold gasoline with an ethanol content above the allowed level.
Another establishment had tanks and nozzles sealed, with seizure of 4,500 liters of fuel outside specifications.
In total, 309,510 liters of irregular products were collected.
Rio Grande do Sul Records Seizure of Gas Cylinders
In Rio Grande do Sul, the oversight involved two LPG distributors and two stations.
In Pelotas, a distributor was closed for selling cylinders without adhering to safety regulations, resulting in the seizure of 87 units.
In Estância Velha, a station was fined for failing to properly indicate the supplier and for not displaying prices on the panel as required.
Other States and Absence of Irregularities
In inspections carried out in Bahia, Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul, the ANP did not register irregularities.
Risks for Drivers and Consumers
The use of low pumps leads to sales of volumes lower than paid, constituting fraud against the consumer.
The presence of methanol in ethanol or ethanol levels above the permitted in gasoline decreases engine efficiency, may cause damage to parts, and reduces vehicle lifespan.
The lack of a densitometer — a device that measures the temperature and density of fuel — prevents measurement correction, putting the consumer at a disadvantage.
Selling without appropriate registration and documentation can result in adulterated fuel, lacking quality assurance and potentially harmful to the engine.
National Context and Recent Challenges
According to recent reports, with cuts in the ANP budget in July 2025, there has been a reduction in oversight activities, which may increase the circulation of irregular fuels.
The Fuel Quality Monitoring Program, in effect since 1998, was temporarily suspended this month, raising the risk of fraud, especially at unfamiliar stations or those with prices significantly below the market.
Essential Tips for Consumers
- Prefer to refuel at stations linked to national brands or well-known networks recognized for stringent quality control standards.
- Avoid prices significantly below the market average, as they may indicate irregularities.
- Check if the station displays the ANP seal, an updated price panel, and clear supplier identification.
- If you suspect a low pump or issues during refueling (such as irregular slow revs, power loss, or high consumption), file a complaint with the ANP, Procon, or the Petroleum Syndicate in your state.
Economic Impact and Competition
Frauds involving irregular volumetry and substandard fuels affect not only consumers, who pay for products they do not receive or that damage their vehicles, but also harm legitimate stations that invest in legal compliance and quality controls.
The consequence is reduced consumer confidence and a negative impact on competition.
With the reduction in oversight, particularly in July 2025, the ANP raised a warning flag for drivers and car owners.
The best defense remains careful selection of the station and attention to signs of irregularities.
Have you ever experienced a situation with a low pump or suspect fuel? Share your experience and help others who also want to protect their car and wallet.
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