Mexico toughens stance on fuel operators with 882 sanctions
Mexico's Federal Consumer Agency (Profeco) imposed 882 sanctions on gas station operators, and closed down 206 sites for irregularities as part of a campaign to crack down on rogue operators.
Between January and June of 2015, Profeco made 1,290 inspections at gas stations, following 884 consumer complaints during the period. The total amount for the 882 sanctions imposed on fuel retailers stands at MXN 67 million (USD 4.2 million), a 60% increase over the same period of 2014.
With fuel theft endemic in Mexico and the expected expansion of the industry after the energy reform, the Government is looking to take a tougher stance on fuel operators who flout the regulations.
Profeco´s campaign also saw 168 gas stations which refused to undergo the inspections punished with MXN 250,000 ($15,556) fines, although sanctions can reach MXN 3.5 million ($218,000).
Inspectors usually test dispensers to guarantee the supply of complete litres and that official Mexican regulations are followed by operators.
