Consumer protection agency fines gas stations for abusive price increases.

Alagoas247 - The Superintendence of Consumer Protection and Defense in Alagoas (Procon/AL) concluded, this Tuesday (28), 49 infraction notices that were sent by mail to gas stations located in the capital of Alagoas, due to the finding of abusive price increases, among other irregularities.

According to the agency's inspection, the action was motivated by several complaints received since the beginning of the year, which led Procon to carry out the 'Eye on Fuel' operation, implemented on February 26th.

Procon inspectors checked whether the prices passed on to the final consumer were in accordance with the National Petroleum Agency (ANP), finding 21 gas stations with prices outside the agency's limit. Fifteen stations were identified as lacking documentation, while seven did not present a defense after being cited, and six that had already been cited and, in the end, regularized their situation. According to the inspection, most stations exceeded the limit by an average of 44 cents per liter of fuel.

According to João Lessa, the inspection manager, gas stations have ten days from the date of the infraction notice to present their defense to the Superintendency for Consumer Protection and Defense. Upon proper submission, the agency's legal department will assess whether there are any further irregularities and decide whether or not to grant the request.

"If the gas station does not present its defense, Procon may impose a fine, depending on the recurrence, size, and reach of the station in relation to society, ranging from R$ 600,00 to R$ 6 million, in addition to taking other administrative measures," explained João Lessa.

With gazetaweb.com