VAT fraud on fuels and the sale of adulterated diesel worry motorists in the Var, keen to preserve their vehicles.
Fuel fraud – PHOTO: Var Actu
In a context of soaring fuel prices, a worrying practice is spreading in certain service stations: VAT fraud on fuel. This phenomenon, which affects several regions of Europe, is often accompanied by the sale of adulterated fuel, causing anxiety among motorists, particularly in the Var.
Attractive prices, but at what price?
The general rise in costs at the pump has pushed some unscrupulous operators to offer fuel at unbeatable prices. These attractive prices hide tax fraud: these stations do not pay VAT to the State, although customers pay it when they make their purchases. While this practice may seem anecdotal to the consumer, it constitutes a real threat to the economy and vehicle safety.
Adulterated diesel: a danger for engines
Beyond tax evasion, these service stations often distribute fuels of questionable quality, such as “adulterated” diesel cut with liquids such as water or chemicals. This mixture can lead to serious breakdowns or even irreparable damage to engines, endangering user vehicles.
This situation is causing confusion and concern among Var motorists. The difficulty of distinguishing a fraudulent station from a legitimate station increases their anxiety. In a region where the car is an essential means of transport, the risks linked to these fuels raise fears about the reliability of vehicles and their maintenance costs.
An alarming lack of control
The proliferation of this fraud is partly explained by the weakness of controls in certain areas. Motorists are thus left unprotected against these practices, unable to check the quality of the fuel they buy. The lack of transparency in the sector makes the situation even more worrying, increasing the risk of damage to vehicles.
Faced with these dangers, it is imperative that authorities strengthen inspections and better inform consumers to prevent their confidence from suffering.
