Source: InfoMoney – SP – 09/11/2009

SÃO PAULO – The sale of adulterated fuels caused 109 gas stations to be closed in the state of São Paulo this year, according to a survey carried out by the Finance Department. In October alone, 20 stations were closed for this reason.

According to the secretariat, inspections have found a decreasing number of gas stations caught selling and storing adulterated fuel.

Which gives
In 2005, 25,9% of the posts visited by the Treasury were revoked. In 2006, this percentage fell to 14%. In 2007, 8,2% of the state's jobs were closed, while, over the last year, 5% were revoked.

This year, until October, the number of closed stations (109) corresponds to 3,6% of the stations visited by inspection. Since 2005, when the operation began, 722 stations have had their state registration revoked in the state.

Analysis
There are around 8.500 gas stations throughout the state and the “De Olho na Bomba” operation visits 8 to 10 gas stations per month. The Secretariat inspects the pumps and collects samples of the fuel sold, which are sent to the IPT (Institute for Technological Research) for analysis.

However, during inspection, a preliminary test is carried out to determine whether adulteration has occurred. If fraud is verified, the pumps are sealed immediately.

The Finance Department reminds us that the list of revoked gas stations is on the agency's website (www.fazenda.sp.gov.br).