In light of the rising fears of soaring oil prices due to the conflict between the US and Iran, South Korean authorities have recently identified six locations that have been illegally selling counterfeit oil products for a profit of 200 to 300 won per liter. The Gyeongsangnam-do province reported that five gas stations and one general oil sales outlet were caught in the act, and the relevant personnel have been referred to the prosecutor's office. Plans are in motion to request administrative measures, such as business suspensions, from the respective city and county authorities. This crackdown was initiated after extensive planning in collaboration with the Korea Petroleum Management Center from January 12 to January 13 earlier this year, focusing on the illegal distribution of fake oil products.

The identified entities included a gas station that used a mobile oil transport vehicle to sell blended fake oil, which mixed diesel and kerosene, attempting to bypass regulations that prohibit selling certain fuel types through specific channels. Additionally, other gas stations were caught selling counterfeit oil products that had been mixed for construction equipment, an illegal practice that poses several risks. The counterfeit oil can lead to incomplete combustion when used in diesel-powered vehicles, contributing to air pollution and causing engine malfunctions. Since the negative effects of such products may not be immediately noticeable, it is challenging for users to detect the fraud until problems arise.

The legal ramifications of manufacturing, storing, or selling counterfeit oil products include prison sentences of up to five years or fines of up to 200 million won, while individuals knowingly using these fake products could face penalties of up to 20 million won. Despite these serious consequences, the pulled operators had been capitalizing on their 200 to 300 won profit margin per liter. In response to the geopolitical volatility impacting oil prices, the authorities plan to sustain their crackdown until prices stabilize. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has also intensified its inspections targeting illegal maritime oil distribution practices and other related illicit activities in the industry.