Consumer protection agency tries to control fuel prices.

Goiás247_ Procon started an operation this Monday (6) aimed at identifying whether there has been an abusive increase in fuel prices in Goiânia. The action is being carried out by the Superintendence for the Protection of Consumer Rights, which must notify establishments that are charging more for a liter of gasoline and ethanol. There are gas stations in the Capital charging up to R$ 3,19 per liter of gasoline. In others, the same product is priced below R$ 3.

Following the inspection, the establishment will have 15 days to present documentation justifying the price charged. If the increase occurred at the distributors or plants, they will also have the same period to present documentation proving the price charged.

The consumer protection agency, Procon, says that its actions regarding fuel prices are a constant practice. Last November, 17 gas stations were notified and fined after abusive price increases were proven. All submitted written defenses, and the cases are in the judgment phase. Procon also notified Sindiposto (the gas station owners' union), which presented documents proving the increase in ethanol prices at the distributor and the consequent pass-through to consumers by the gas stations.

Another 70 plants and distributors were notified last month. The agency's Research and Calculation Management is analyzing the submitted spreadsheets and expects to complete all the material within 20 days. Procon forwarded copies of the processes and technical reports to the Public Prosecutor's Office of Goiás and the State Consumer Protection Police Station (Decon).