Fake petroleum products proliferate in South Korea because of weak laws

Two gas explosions in South Korea are suspected of having been caused by oil vapor from fake petroleum products being secretly sold by two gas stations. South Korea prohibits the sale and purchase of fake petroleum products. Fake petroleum is made by combining solvent or toluene with methyl alcohol and is a more dangerous solution than legitimately produced derivatives of petroleum. The combination is a sub-standard quality fuel and has a lower flammability limit and a higher explosive capability. Accidents caused by fake petroleum products are not rare in South Korea, where fake dealers do business almost everywhere. The Korea Institute of Petroleum Management has, in the past three and a half year, exposed a total of 9,824 fake petroleum dealers. Those caught selling fake petroleum products are only fined between KRW 50 million (US$44,194) to 75 million (US$66,311), an amount which violators can easily recoup. (September 29, 2011)