The Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) has recently identified and penalized six petrol stations for selling substandard fuel. Over the past two months, these stations have been added to a growing list of locations where inferior fuel quality was detected, with a significant concentration in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region.

Among the penalized stations, the Votava station located in Tisovec-Dřeveš in the Pardubice Region received the highest fine. Initially, the fine was set at 600,000 Czech koruna but was later reduced to half a million koruna by the ČOI. Two separate inspections were conducted at this station, both of which revealed issues with the quality of fuel.

According to the ČOI, the diesel fuel sold at Votava station did not meet the required ČSN standard for oxidation stability during laboratory analysis. The measured value of 86 g/m3 exceeded the maximum allowable value of 33 g/m3 when considering measurement uncertainty.

Among the four petrol stations in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region that were penalized, the highest fine was imposed on Omar Oil in Brandýs, Central Bohemia, amounting to 200,000 Czech koruna. Originally, the owner had been fined half a million koruna, but the inspection later reduced the penalty. The station was found to have sold inferior diesel and petrol that did not meet specified quality standards.

Furthermore, the inspection revealed that the diesel fuel failed to meet the required flash point and end of distillation indicators. These defects indicate potential negligence in the transportation and handling of fuels, potentially leading to the contamination of diesel with petrol and vice versa.

The ČOI continues to monitor and take action against petrol stations found to be selling substandard fuel to ensure that consumers receive the quality they expect when refueling their vehicles. The list of penalized petrol stations can be accessed on the ČOI’s website, providing transparency and awareness for consumers.

Article by Prague Forum