Fuel: the electronic platform will process data and notify the tax office

The Greek antimonopoly service has introduced digital weapons into the fight against fuel smuggling. The new electronic platform will collect data from all gas stations in the country and, using a special algorithm, identify suspected cases of smuggling and fraud.

The goal is to reduce the outflow of funds from state coffers from fuel smuggling and counterfeiting, which is estimated at more than 300 million euros per year. According to AADE chief Giorgos Pitsilis (Sky), the platform is operating in pilot mode and has already begun to process data, and gaps have already been identified in the input-output systems at gas stations, which will be addressed through the necessary upgrades.

Fines
In the near future, ministerial resolutions are expected to be adopted to tighten penalties for cases of smuggling and counterfeiting of liquid fuels, which provide for blocking and banning activities for up to two years for gas stations, fines of up to 30,000 euros for companies and publication of data on the identity of violators.

In particular, the new rules provide that petrol stations found to be involved in smuggling, tampering and entry-exit systems will be blocked for two years, and the ban will automatically apply to all petrol stations under the same ownership. For gas stations owned by oil marketing companies or their subsidiaries, sealing all points entered if five points sealed within three months.

Sealing for two years also imposed if the owners of a gas station or their authorized representatives interfere with the inspection by using force or threats. Individuals or entities whose gas stations have been sealed are prohibited from operating in any other form or capacity, or from engaging in any business of selling or distributing energy products, for a period of two years from the discovery of the violation.

Measures
Companies are required to monitor their branded service stations for counterfeits and contraband by implementing due diligence measures regarding the distribution and movement of energy products, which include maintaining and updating the tax registry of persons distributing energy products, regularly monitoring their customers regarding licenses, certificates, chemical composition products and I/O system installation, reporting symptoms to AADE services. Companies that breach due diligence measures will be fined between €5,000 and €30,000 per service station, and the AADE will publish the fines annually.

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