Vietnam petrol station cheats face stronger action

Petrol station proprietors in Vietnam who defraud their customers could face criminal prosecution rather than a fine or having their business licenses suspended, or cancelled. A petrol station chiseling just 5% for a liter, or 550 dong (US$0.03), can illegally earn 5 million dong (US$294) from the sale of 10,000 liters. The change causes the amount of petrol shown on the pump to be higher than the actual amount provided to customers. Science and technology ministry chief inspector Tran Minh Dung said the heavier punishments were needed as unscrupulous practices become more sophisticated and popular. (December 31, 2008)