Gas Station Mixed Up Gasoline and Diesel in Busan... Over 170 Vehicles Damaged

A mix-up of gasoline and diesel at a self-service gas station in Busan has caused engine trouble in some 180 vehicles after misfueled oil was sold to customers.

According to Saha-gu, Busan, on the 5th, a worker at a gas station within the district accidentally poured diesel into a gasoline storage tank while transferring fuel on the morning of August 25.

Customers who filled their tanks at the affected pumps the next day noticed abnormal symptoms and reported the issue to the gas station and the Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority.

One victim stated, "I went to a repair shop after noticing problems with my vehicle, such as strange noises while driving, and was told that the fuel had been mixed."

To date, the gas station has identified around 180 damaged vehicles, leaving car owners facing repair costs ranging from roughly 1 million won to tens of millions of won.

As the controversy grew, the gas station announced its intention to compensate affected vehicle owners for repair costs.

Saha-gu plans to take administrative actions against the gas station, such as a business suspension or a penalty surcharge under relevant laws, once the investigation results from the Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority are released.

Under the Petroleum and Petroleum-Substitute Fuel Business Act, businesses that sell petroleum products that fail to meet quality standards or fail quality inspections are subject to administrative measures.

If confirmed as counterfeit petroleum, a 3-month business suspension can be issued. If judged as substandard petroleum, a 3-month business suspension or a warning can be issued. When imposing penalty surcharges in lieu of a business suspension, the maximum fines are up to 100 million won for counterfeit petroleum and up to 30 million won for substandard petroleum.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.