MACROBrazil
Consumer secretariat opens 70 proceedings against 12 fuel companies over price increases without just cause, with fines of up to R$ 14 million
The National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), under the Justice Ministry, opened 70 administrative proceedings, published in the Official Gazette of September 21, over signs of fuel price increases without just cause, based on the Consumer Defense Code. Among the 12 targeted companies are the distributors Vibra, Ipiranga and Ale, plus gas stations; fines can reach R$ 14 million per company. The ANP had forwarded about 330 complaints. Agência Brasil emphasizes stations in RJ, ES, SP and PR with margin increases above 70% and a 15-day deadline for defense; Gazeta do Povo cites seven states and 20 days.