Report 'Counterfeit Petroleum'... Crackdown on Market-Disrupting Activities Intensified

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission will intensify crackdowns on the manufacture of counterfeit petroleum products and hoarding behavior, such as bulk purchasing of petroleum products.

On April 14, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced that it would operate a special reporting period focused on market-disrupting activities, including the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit petroleum products, oil hoarding, and price collusion. The period runs from today until May 13.

The government announced the second highest price for petroleum products, raising gasoline and diesel by 210 won per liter. On the 27th of last month, a gas station in Seoul sold gasoline at 2,170 won per liter and diesel at 2,180 won per liter. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

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Representative market-disrupting activities include manufacturing or distributing counterfeit petroleum products; engaging in hoarding by purchasing large quantities of petroleum products or refusing to sell them in anticipation of price increases; and colluding to fix prices of daily necessities among sellers, citing high oil prices as the reason.

The scope also includes using fuel subsidies for freight trucks to refuel private vehicles, or conspiring with gas station operators to inflate the amount of fuel dispensed and pocketing the difference.

Reports can be filed via the integrity portal, the anti-corruption and public interest reporting platform, or by visiting in person or sending mail. The anonymous proxy reporting system allows individuals to report through a lawyer without revealing their identity.

If a report leads to the recovery of government revenue, up to 30% of the recovered amount will be paid as a reward. Even if revenue recovery does not occur, rewards may be granted if the report prevents losses or contributes to public interest.

Jung Iryeon, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stated, "Due to the high oil prices and supply uncertainties caused by the Middle East war, the nation faces a crisis," adding, "We will take firm action against illegal activities that seek unfair profits by exploiting the community during these difficult times."

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