Lorraine Williamson
Drivers chasing bargains at low-cost petrol stations across Spain may have been filling up with illegal petrol at cheap prices that damaged engines and cheated honest retailers. Investigators have uncovered a sprawling fraud that funnelled millions of litres of adulterated diesel into the country. They exploited the surge in fuel costs to tempt unsuspecting motorists.
A labyrinth of shell companies and straw men was at the heart of the operation. Vulnerable people were paid small sums to lend their identities. This allowed ringleaders to hide behind fake paperwork and reopen under new names whenever inspectors closed in. Police have so far arrested 18 suspects, placed 14 others under investigation and identified around 40 companies—many existing only on paper.
From Eastern Europe to Spanish pumps
The diesel began its journey in Eastern Europe, where suppliers in Latvia, Poland and Hungary blended regular fuel with cheap industrial oils. Once smuggled into Spain, the mixture was sold as standard diesel at prices up to 20 cents per litre below the official market rate. The tempting discount attracted drivers, but the low quality posed serious mechanical risks and increased exhaust pollution.
Where to find the cheapest petrol
Village suspicion sparks a breakthrough
The scam unravelled after residents in Hoya del Campo, a small town in Murcia, noticed suspicious tankers making frequent night-time deliveries. A police raid uncovered an illegal depot holding almost 74,000 litres of substandard fuel, triggering a nationwide investigation. Raids have since extended across Murcia, Almería, Alicante and Valencia, exposing the full scale of the black-market network.
Environmental and safety hazards
Experts warn that the doctored fuel can damage engines and emit higher levels of harmful particles. Some drivers transporting the loads lacked valid licences, raising fears of accidents involving flammable cargo. Authorities say the environmental impact of burning such fuel adds another layer to the criminal charges.
Honest retailers pay the price
For legitimate petrol station owners, the scam is more than a financial headache. Many report losing customers to rogue operators offering impossibly low prices, despite following strict regulations and paying full taxes. Industry groups are now demanding tougher inspections and quicker legal action to protect consumers and fair competition.
Ongoing investigations
Spain’s tax agency and national police continue to track the money trail and dismantle remaining distribution points. Motorists are urged to buy from established brands and check for official certification to avoid unknowingly fuelling the black market. With arrests mounting and new raids planned, authorities aim to reassure the public that the era of illegal petrol at cheap prices may finally be running out of road.
Source: El País