The auditors of the Independent Public Revenue Authority were faced with an unprecedented picture. Having taken a sample of fuel from a gas station in Chalandri, and after it was established that it was adulterated, they returned to the scene to seal the store.

And then they saw that the… pumps and part of the inlet-outlet system were missing.

The reason is simple: The fuel analysis procedure provides that, in case the first sample is found to be abnormal by the Chemistry, a second sample is also checked, in the presence of a chemist, who represents the company.

Knowing the… quality of the fuel he was selling, and fearing that customs officials would confiscate the pumps, the station owner decided to… remove them, along with some of the input-output equipment, before the Chemist could inform the inspectors , and confiscate the machines.

The only thing he managed, of course, is to increase the fines against him, and to burden his position in the criminal proceedings that follow.

What the check showed:

Analysis of the samples showed that the 95 octane unleaded gasoline was 86% adulterated with a mixture of light petroleum oils containing methanol and isobutanol.

The inspectors, together with armed police, sealed off the station for two years and are proceeding to impose the prescribed fines.