Source: Jornal da Tarde – SP

The fight against adulterated fuel has intensified in recent years. The National Petroleum Agency (ANP) is the government body responsible for inspecting gas stations in Brazil. Jornal do Carro accompanied an inspection at a gas station in the southern part of the capital.

ANP inspector Raimundo Ramos arrived at the site without notifying the owner. “It’s always a surprise. The idea is to collect samples without the gas stations being able to prepare. This is to ensure a fair result.”

When collecting the samples, the agent performs some tests on the fuels on-site. “These are basic tests that any customer can and should request at the gas station. If a problem is found here, the station is shut down immediately. If everything is fine, it goes to a laboratory for detailed analysis.”

According to the ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels), with the intensification of inspections, gas stations are being more careful and infractions have decreased. It is noticeable that in recent years inspections have increased and infractions and fines for poor fuel quality have decreased relatively. "This is a positive sign that the work is functioning."

Even the companies are keeping a close eye on their gas stations. Shell, for example, has 12 mobile laboratories that visit its stations to measure quality. Texaco and Petrobras also conduct inspections.

Additivated gasoline

Many still believe that gasoline additives are a form of adulteration. Shell's Fuel Engineer, Gilberto Pose, explains that the additives do not alter the composition of the gasoline. "They serve to clean dirt in the engine and improve performance. They are detergent, dispersant, anti-corrosive and antioxidant."