Source: SETCESP - NEWS - 02/07/2010

ANP (National Petroleum Agency) last week banned two gas stations in Greater São Paulo for selling gasoline outside the agency's specifications. Across the state, 62 establishments were closed this year because of irregularities. In one of the places inspected last Wednesday (23), on Avenida Sapopemba (east side), gasoline had 37% ethanol - well above the 25% authorized by the federal government. Those responsible for the post were arrested in flagrante delicto for selling adulterated fuel.
The other problem was detected at a dealer on Avenida Presidente Kennedy, 377, in Diadema, Greater São Paulo. The ethanol content was even higher: 56%.

Administrative proceedings were opened in both cases and, at the end of them, the restricted posts may receive fines ranging from R $ 20 to R $ 5 million.

In 2009, the ANP carried out 6.383 inspection actions in the State of São Paulo, which resulted in 1.968 infraction notices and 223 station notices. In 2010, until the beginning of June, there were 2.000 actions, with 609 notices of violation. Until last Tuesday (29), the number of interdictions for different irregularities totaled 62.

Inspection
The ANP informed that the inspection of the fuel market is carried out by agency employees. The actions are planned based on the result of the Fuel Quality Monitoring Program, which presents analysis data by region, state and the total in the country.

Complaints made by consumers and other bodies, such as Procons, the Public Ministry and the police, are also taken into account. If adulteration is proven, measures are taken, such as: notice, seal of the pump, closing of the post and fine.

In 2009, the ANP's consumer relations center received 118.719 requests, 108.572 of which were toll-free (0800 970 0267) and 10.147 by e-mail, letter and fax. Complaints are responsible for 14,71% of this total, which corresponds to 17.462 complaints. Most of them are related to quality problems, illegal LPG trade and problems in gauging supply pumps.