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Procon Carioca launches Operation Gas Station Without Theft and releases a digital map to monitor establishments fined in Rio.
Published on 12/11/2025 - 15:49 | Updated on 12/11/2025 - 15:55
Procon Carioca inspectors shut down the Star Gás Station gas station in Tijuca - José Bismarck/Sedecon The Municipal Secretariat for Consumer Protection and Defense (Sedecon), through Procon Carioca, began a new phase in its fuel inspection actions in the city of Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday (November 12th). Dubbed Operation Gas Station Without Theft, the initiative's main highlight is the digital monitoring map of gas stations fined by the agency, which was launched during another inspection in Tijuca. This unprecedented tool will gather information on all fined establishments, increasing transparency and public access to data from actions carried out throughout the city.
Furthermore, the operation will now utilize the "Mystery Shopper" vehicle, an innovative technology capable of identifying adulterations directly at the pumps, discreetly, technically, and precisely. Developed in partnership with the Instituto Combustível Legal (ICL), the "Mystery Shopper" system represents a historic advance in fuel quality control in the capital. The vehicle is equipped with a special tank for immediate collection and analysis of fuels, allowing for the detection of irregularities in real time, without alerting the inspected establishments. This method expands the Procon Carioca's response capacity to complaints and brings greater efficiency and transparency to operations.
The partnership between the agency and the institute also includes joint inspections, technical analyses of gasoline, ethanol, and diesel samples, sharing of data and reports to support administrative measures and fines, as well as technical training and capacity building for Procon Carioca agents. Educational and preventative actions aimed at consumers and retailers are also planned, at no cost to Rio de Janeiro taxpayers.
"Our goal is to instill fear in those who currently commit these irregularities that weigh so heavily on the population's pockets. This set of actions is a milestone in the history of combating the illegal fuel market in the city of Rio," said the Municipal Secretary for Consumer Protection, João Pires.
Inspection on Wednesday
On Wednesday, inspectors from Procon Carioca (Rio de Janeiro's consumer protection agency) shut down the Star Gás Station gas station in Tijuca. Agents identified the practice of short-changing gas pumps, using card machines with mismatched CNPJs (Brazilian tax ID numbers), and lacking mandatory documentation such as a business license, among other irregularities. This set of abusive practices directly harms consumers and suggests possible financial fraud. The establishment was fined, shut down, and had its payment machine seized.
Revocation of licenses
In three months, seven gas stations were shut down for irregularities such as short pumps, gasoline adulteration, and operational failures. Among these, three (in Benfica, Praça Seca, and Realengo) had their operating licenses revoked due to the severity of the infractions found.
At the Zip Auto Posto gas station in Praça Seca, inspected on September 16th, inspectors found that the gasoline and ethanol dispensing nozzles were delivering 20% less fuel than registered on the pumps. In the measurement test, the 20-liter container was completely filled, but the equipment registered 24 liters. Even after being shut down, the station was irregularly reopened three times, resulting in the seizure of the fuel pumps ten days later.
At the Bragal gas station in Benfica, inspected on October 11th, it was found that the ethanol pumps were dispensing 25% less fuel than the amount paid for. In the test, the 20-liter container was completely filled, but the pump registered 25 liters, resulting in a direct loss to the consumer.
In Realengo, the Volantes gas station was caught committing serious fraud against consumers. Inspectors identified adulteration in the gasoline, with 72% ethanol present, almost three times the maximum limit allowed by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP). They also found evidence of under-dispensing fuel. At one of the inspected pumps, the station was delivering 33% less ethanol per fill-up. In other words, drivers were losing approximately 6 liters for every 20 liters purchased. Furthermore, irregularities were identified in the commercial operations. The card machines were registered under different CNPJs (Brazilian tax IDs) than the establishment, raising suspicions of tax evasion and attempted revenue concealment.
Allegations
The Rio de Janeiro Consumer Protection Agency (Procon Carioca) emphasizes that consumers should always demand a receipt when purchasing fuel and be wary of prices significantly below the average market price. Complaints can be registered through the official channels of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, via [website/platform name - specify if available]. agency websitevia social media or by calling the 1746 hotline.
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