Inspection catches irregularities, shuts down pumps and fines gas stations in Piauí
A series of inspections in Piauí led to the shutdown of gas pumps and fines for numerous gas stations due to serious irregularities.
An extensive operation dubbed "Tô de Olho" was conducted across various states in Brazil, including Piauí, where federal authorities inspected 15 gas stations in cities such as Teresina, Altos, and União. During this operation, a total of 146 fuel dispensing nozzles were checked, revealing three pumps that were immediately shut down due to various irregularities, which included damaged panels, signs of electronic fraud, low fuel dispensing rates, and internal leaks.
The inspections were carried out by the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmeto) in conjunction with the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Following the inspections, the ANP issued fines ranging between R$ 5,000 and R$ 5 million to the non-compliant establishments. Furthermore, gas stations found to have violations faced additional penalties such as suspension or revocation of their operating permits.
These actions are part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance within the fuel industry to safeguard consumers and maintain fair market practices. Violations noted during these inspections not only carry significant financial repercussions but also signify a concern about the integrity of fuel products being sold to the public, thus highlighting the critical nature of regulatory oversight in the sector.