LPG Filling Stations' 'Deception' Cracked Down... Quantity Inspection System to Be Implemented from September

Ministry of Industry Announces Enforcement Rules on 18th
"Prohibition of Under-Delivery at Charging Stations... Expectation for Consumer Protection"

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The government announced plans to protect consumers by cracking down on deceptive practices at liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) filling stations that dispense less than the stated quantity.

On the 17th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it will promulgate the enforcement regulations related to the quantitative inspection system for automotive LPG on the 18th.

According to the ministry, the enforcement regulations are based on the amendment to the "Safety Management and Business Act of Liquefied Petroleum Gas" established on August 20 last year.

The amendment includes inspection methods for violations of the obligation to supply the correct quantity at LPG filling stations, administrative sanctions criteria for each violation, and the scope and content of public disclosure.

Until now, quantitative inspections have only been conducted at gas stations handling gasoline and diesel, but with the expansion to LPG filling stations, it is expected that consumer damage prevention and protection for LPG vehicle users will be strengthened.

Once the regulations are enforced, filling stations violating the LPG quantity obligation will face warnings, business suspension, or license revocation depending on the violation.

After a six-month grace period following the promulgation, the system will be implemented starting September 18.

The ministry plans to enhance filling operators' understanding of the system through continuous education and publicity during the grace period.

To prevent safety accidents during the quantitative inspection process, additional safety verification of inspection equipment and methods will also be conducted.

For this purpose, one dedicated vehicle for LPG quantitative inspection will be introduced and pilot-operated during the grace period. Three more vehicles will be added this year, and from next year, quantitative inspections at filling stations will be expanded nationwide. As of last month, there are 1,946 LPG filling stations.

An official from the ministry said, "We will identify and resolve technical and institutional improvements arising during the pilot operation of the LPG quantitative inspection system," adding, "We will make every effort to establish the system early by fully considering consumer satisfaction and opinions from the LPG industry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.