Surprise Inspection of Gas Station That Raised Fuel Prices Despite Price Ceiling Reveals False Supply Reports

Minister Kim Jungkwan Conducts Surprise Inspection Amid Controversy Over Ineffectiveness of Price Ceiling System
False Supply Report Detected; Comprehensive Crackdown to Expand

Kim Jungkwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, paid a surprise visit on the 19th to a directly operated gas station of an oil refinery company located in Songpa-gu, Seoul, together with the joint inspection team from multiple government ministries to investigate any illegal activities related to price, distribution, and quality. Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The government conducted an unannounced inspection of gas stations that raised fuel prices even after the implementation of the price ceiling system. The inspection revealed that the business in question was not only responsible for price hikes but also for submitting false reports regarding supply and demand conditions.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that on the 19th, Minister Kim Jungkwan, together with a joint inspection team from multiple government ministries, carried out a surprise inspection of a directly operated gas station of an oil refinery company located in Songpa-gu, Seoul, and confirmed the submission of false supply and demand reports by this gas station.

This particular station was one of more than 200 gas stations that recently raised gasoline and diesel prices, and was specifically cited for increasing its retail price even after the supply price had been reduced. In fact, it was found that the station purchased gasoline at a lower price on the 13th, but raised its price the following day.

The on-site inspection covered not only the reasons behind the price hike, but also examined product quality, whether fuel was sold in correct quantities, and whether there was any misuse of fuel subsidies. The authorities secured purchase and sales records as well as CCTV footage to thoroughly review the entire distribution process.

As a result, it was discovered that this gas station had falsely reported supply and demand conditions in October last year by omitting 28,000 liters of gasoline in its report. Petroleum refiners and retailers are required to submit mandatory weekly reports on supply and demand conditions of gasoline and diesel to the Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority.

The government has notified the competent local government of these findings and has launched a detailed investigation into any additional violations of the law. If further illegal acts such as tax evasion or violations of quality standards are confirmed, the government plans to impose sanctions in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Minister Kim stated, "It is only right that gas station prices are lowered promptly in line with the decrease in supply prices," and added, "We will continue to inspect gas stations suspected of illegal activities until consumers can truly feel the impact."

With the government using price inspections as an opportunity to look into the overall order of fuel distribution, on-site crackdowns to ensure the effectiveness of the price ceiling system are expected to be further strengthened.

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