See how to identify the most common fuel frauds

The search for cheaper fuel became even fiercer after the return of federal taxes. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, the price of a liter of gasoline is ranging from R$4.89 to R$6.29, according to the latest bulletin from the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). A difference that can weigh more than R$ 80 to fill the car tank. Not always, however, choosing the gas station with the lowest price is the best deal.

Created in 2016, with the support of distributors and petrochemical companies, with the aim of promoting an ethical environment in the sector, the Legal Combustível Institute (ICL) recorded last year a 47% increase in the number of service stations that simultaneously commit fraud involving tampering with fuel and change the pump (to deliver a volume smaller than the amount paid).

In the opinion of Emerson Kapaz, CEO of ICL, the increase in the number of frauds is a reflection of the reduction in tax evasion that occurred with the so-called “walking notes” between states since the collection of ICMS on fuel was limited in mid-2022.

The tax difference between Rio, which had the highest rate in the country, and São Paulo, for example, was annulled. The rate that was, respectively, 34% and 25%, today in both states is 18%.

— When you turn off the evasion tap, you have to keep an eye on adulteration, since those who earned money in the first way had their resources diminished — says Kapaz.

Frauds related to the quantity of fuel led to 38.3% of gas stations banned by the ANP last year. And this percentage may be far from mirroring reality, says Marcos Heleno Junior, superintendent of the Institute of Weights and Measures of the State of São Paulo (Ipem-SP).

According to the agency, the fraudsters put a chip on the board of the pumps and manage to control the scam remotely. When there is inspection, the device is turned off and the fraud is not detected:

— The inspection used a standardized 20-liter barrel, arrived at the station, filled it up and the marking had to contain the exact 20 liters. Now, when the inspector arrives, they turn off the device remotely and the measurement does not catch the fraud.

Car can ‘crash’

When it comes to tampering, responsible for 32% of the ANP’s prohibitions, it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms presented by the car, such as difficulty starting, corrosion of rubbers and even engine breakdown.

— The high ethanol content is just one of the possibilities for modifying gasoline, which can still suffer from the addition of solvents and the use of low-cost naphtha, which has a low octane rating and impairs the functioning of the vehicle — says Rogério Gonçalves director of fuels from the Brazilian Association of Automotive Engineering (AEA).

The ANP guideline is to suspect prices well below the average, check if the pump is zeroed before starting the supply; observe if the value of the liter is the same as advertised. Another tip is to check the pump certification, which must be measured and certified by Inmetro. It is essential to demand the invoice and report any evidence of fraud.

Low pump: in the tank, less liters than the amount paid

In the “low pump” fraud, the consumer pays for an amount of liters, but the tank receives less fuel. According to Ipem-SP, the scam has become more sophisticated and today the fraudsters put a chip on the board of the pumps and are able to remotely change the volume of liters delivered.

This technology makes it more difficult for regulators to identify fraud, which was previously only done by measuring a 20-liter gallon. Changes in inspection have already begun to be implemented to detect irregularities.

It is important for consumers to be aware and inform themselves about the capacity of their tank and, if they suspect fraud, report it to the regulatory bodies.

Adulterated fuel: too much ethanol in gasoline and even solvent

The high content of ethanol in gasoline is just one of the adulterations identified in the fuel, says the director of fuels at the Brazilian Association of Automotive Engineering (AEA), Rogério Gonçalves.

There are other frauds such as the addition of solvents and the use of low-cost naphtha, which has a low octane rating and impairs vehicle operation. In ethanol, it is common to add more water than allowed. In this case, the difference is felt mainly when starting the vehicle.

As for diesel, the main irregularity is in the added biodiesel content. But Gonçalves explains that S500 fuel, dirtier for the environment, can also be added to S10 diesel, since it is cheaper.

Less gas: pressure and temperature affect volume in the tank

In vehicular natural gas (CNG) depending on the temperature and pressure, the volumetric capacity of the cylinder may be different from that informed.

The colder the temperature, the more gas is compressed in the cylinder; the hotter it is, the less gas. The same goes for pressure: the greater the gas pressure, the more it compresses in the cylinder; the lower the pressure, the less gas.

According to the ANP rule, the pressure cannot exceed 220 bar. However, many service stations claim to offer the “best pressure”, so it is essential to pay attention to the supply and observe the pressure in order to actually receive the cubic meters you paid for.

An eye on the price: Procon-SP points out inaccurate and misleading information

Many consumers are attracted by the price per liter displayed on large signs at service stations. However, the highlighted value is not always the one charged at the pump or is valid for certain times or days of the week.

According to Procon-SP, irregularities identified in São Paulo posts related to inaccurate and misleading price information and identification of expired products grew by 20% in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Both problems also happen in convenience stores at gas stations, where the lack of price information also drew the attention of the consumer protection agency. Clarity in the information at the service station, in the app and in the convenience store is a rule that must be respected.

Effects on the car: Difficulty starting and engine breakdown

Difficulty starting the car, rubber corrosion, engine breakdown. There are several problems that adulterated fuel can cause, especially in newer cars, which have increasingly sensitive systems and devices that require increasingly unique specifications.

Gonçalves, from the AEA, says that bad fuel can lead the engine to “crash”. Depending on the level of problems caused, experts recommend filling up the tank at a reliable gas station to dilute bad gasoline or taking the vehicle to a mechanic.

In the workshop, the occurrence of major problems or the removal of bad fuel can be verified.

Suspected fraud? See the tests that may be required at the post

The customer may require the “tube test”, which shows the level of ethanol in the gasoline. The maximum percentage of alcohol in regular gasoline is 27%. In the case of premium, 25%.

In the test, 50ml of gasoline and 50ml of a solution of water and table salt are added. After 10 minutes, the separation of liquids with gasoline in the upper part of the test tube is visible. What is certain is that the colorless liquid, with water, salt and ethanol, fills a volume of 63ml. If it is higher, the gasoline is adulterated.

A similar test can be done with ethanol to check for excess water.

Volume verification may still be required, with the 20 liter gallon, but with the sophistication of the fraud, this test is not 100% guaranteed. If you are suspicious, report the post.

Know who to complain to

In case of suspicion of fraud, report to the ANP via the website (gov.br/anp/pt-br/canais_atendimento/fale-conosco) or by calling 0800 970 0267. Ipem and the local Procon can also be contacted and can act in supervision. The more information the better, so demand the bill every time you fill up and take pictures of fraud whenever possible.

*Under the supervision of Luciana Casemiro