Brazil fuel regulator closes several retail locations for sale of fuel and LPG in Pernambuco and Bahia
The Brazilian oil and fuel regulator, known as ANP for its Portuguese language acronym, carried out during June 9-11 a program to fight irregularities in the fuel markets in the cities of Petrolina, in Pernambuco, as well as in Juazeiro, Curaca, Casa Nova, Santo Se, Sobradinho and Remanso in Bahia.
A total of 104 ‘economic agents’ were inspected in these two regions resulting in six closings and 31 infractions, the ANP said in a statement issued in mid-June.
One reseller of fuels was found selling gasoline outside specifications while three had pumps which were delivering fewer fuel than what was being sold, a practice known locally as ‘low pumping’. Another fuel seller was found to have a defective pump and an LPG provider could not meet minimum security requirements.
A total of 116 samples of fuel, including gasoline, diesel and ethanol, were collected for laboratory analysis. ANP officials carried out the inspections alongside other authorities, both local as well as from the Finance ministry and from the state attorney’s office.
Such inspections have been intensified thanks in part to complaints being received by the office of the Consumer Relations center of ANP.
