ANP imposes more than R$200 million in fines for abusive increase in fuel prices

The National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) imposed more than R$200 million in fines on fuel distributors for abusive price increases.

According to the agency, some of the cases resulted in an increase of more than 1,350% in the companies' gross margins, indicating the extent of the variations identified in the investigations.

The penalties result from decisions of the first administrative instance in infraction notices drawn up by the ANP inspection teams. Companies can still appeal.

The processes involve conduct carried out during the validity of Provisional Measures No. 1,340 and No. 1,349, issued between March and April this year to address supply problems and contain the rise in fuel prices.

The ANP reported that it continues to analyze other cases relating to the same period, involving distributors, fuel retailers and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) traders.

Operation Heavy Load

The announcement comes at a time when the federal government intensifies monitoring of the sector. This Wednesday (23), the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon) began Operation Heavy Cargo to investigate possible abusive increases in profit margins at gas stations across the country.

The operation was launched after the ANP received around 330 complaints about suspected undue price increases. Based on information sent by the regulatory agency, Senacon initiated 70 administrative sanctioning proceedings against gas stations.

According to Senacon, the investigation does not focus on the price charged at the pump, but on possible unjustified increases in profit margins, a practice that can result in fines and other sanctions provided for in the Consumer Protection Code.

Data presented by the agency indicates concern mainly with the S10 diesel. The national average price of fuel reached R$7.13 per liter on September 19, an increase of 2.3% in one week. The biggest variations were recorded in Bahia, Mato Grosso, Pernambuco, Sergipe and Tocantins.

In regular gasoline, the national average increase was 0.2% in the period analyzed. Mato Grosso, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Piauí showed the biggest variations. Ethanol, in turn, had an average increase of 3.3% in the week.

How to report

Consumers who identify possible irregularities in fuel prices can file complaints with state and municipal Procons or with the ANP, by calling 0800 970 0267 and using the ANP com Vc – Postos app.

To facilitate the investigation, it is recommended to inform the name and address of the establishment, the type of fuel, the price charged and the date of the occurrence, in addition to presenting, whenever possible, invoices or other proof.