[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korea Petroleum Management Service announced on the 30th that it has launched an urgent joint investigation with related agencies following multiple vehicle breakdowns after refueling at certain gas stations in Chungcheongnam-do.
The Petroleum Management Service stated, "Since the 26th, we have received 56 consumer reports suspecting counterfeit diesel as the cause of vehicle breakdowns at two gas stations located in Gongju-si and Nonsan-si, Chungnam. We are conducting detailed testing and analysis on the fuel samples collected from the affected vehicles."
It added, "Upon receiving the first suspicious call on the 26th, the Petroleum Management Service immediately began on-site inspections of the gas stations and is conducting a joint investigation with local governments and investigative agencies."
The Petroleum Management Service explained, "Samples taken from the broken-down vehicles showed a large amount of silicon, an inorganic substance, suggesting an unusual form of counterfeit fuel unlike typical fake petroleum products. We are conducting precise analysis using advanced testing equipment."
Son Juseok, Director of the Petroleum Management Service, said, "Counterfeit petroleum causes air pollution and tax evasion, and especially poses a serious threat to public safety by causing vehicle breakdowns. Therefore, we plan to continuously crack down on similar cases."
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