Crotone gas station seized for diesel contaminated with water

The Guardia di Finanza has seized approximately 13,000 liters of diesel and eight dispensing pumps at a gas station in Crotone, Italy, after discovering significant water contamination. The investigation was launched following numerous reports from motorists experiencing sudden and severe mechanical failures immediately after refueling.

Technical inspections using hydrosensitive paste and metric rods revealed that 513.5 liters of water were present within the 12,797 liters of diesel, representing a contamination level of 4.01%. Authorities noted that such a high percentage of water is capable of causing serious damage to modern diesel engines and fuel systems.

A 53-year-old station manager from Crotone has been reported to the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Court of Crotone. He faces charges of fraud in the exercise of commerce under Article 515 of the Italian Penal Code. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact origin of the contamination and whether it resulted from a structural failure or intentional misconduct.