Mixed Fuel Sold at Busan Gas Station Affects Around 180 Vehicles

A mistake by an employee at a self-service gas station in Busan resulted in gasoline and diesel being mixed together and sold, causing breakdowns in around 180 vehicles.

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

The following day, customers who filled up their vehicles from the affected dispensers noticed abnormal symptoms and reported the issue to the gas station and the Korea Petroleum Quality & Distribution Authority.

One victim stated, "While driving, my car developed problems such as strange noises, so I went to a repair shop and was told that mixed fuel had been put in."

The number of affected vehicles identified by the gas station is currently estimated at around 180. Due to this incident, vehicle owners are left facing repair costs ranging from roughly 1 million won to tens of millions of won.

As the controversy grew, the gas station announced its stance that it would compensate the affected vehicle owners for repair costs and other damages.

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

Under the Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Business Act, businesses can face administrative penalties if they sell petroleum products that fail to meet quality standards or fail quality inspections.

If confirmed to be counterfeit petroleum, a 3-month business suspension can be issued. If judged to be substandard petroleum, a 3-month business suspension or a warning can be issued. If penalty surcharges are imposed instead of a business suspension, the fine can be 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.