Gas stations selling bogus gas

The police have uncovered 21 gas stations in the Seoul metropolitan area that have been selling fake petroleum mixed with toluene and solvent. The Seoul Metropolitan Police have arrested 14 gas station operators who have been selling fake gas procured at 500 won per liter, which is 30% of the normal price, and also the supplier of the fake gas. 14 other gas station operators and the on-site manager of the fake gas supplier, who have escaped the initial arrest, are also being hunted by the police. According to police, the gas stations were supplied with fake gas since May and until now around 40,000 liters of gas worth more than 480 million won has been sold in the market.

The owner of the fake gas supplying company established the company in Seoul during the 1990`s, and on the site 4 tanks holding toluene and solvent mixes were discovered. Police investigators found that gas pump pipes had been connected to both the fake gas and real gas tanks, in order to prepare themselves for inspections.

Ensuing the discovery of 21 fake gas sellers in the Seoul metropolitan area, the police has decided to expand its investigations to the Choongnam and Suwon areas, where the sale of fake gas is believed to be rampant. A police official revealed the use of fake gas shortens the life of car engines while the hydrocarbons discharged, being carcinogens, worsens environmental pollution.