Fuel fraud is a costly issue for consumers, with an estimated annual loss of €400 million. This problem is particularly prevalent in Athens and Thessaloniki, where almost one in four gas stations is involved in the practice of 'tampered pumps'. The situation has improved slightly compared to 2025, but the issue remains a significant concern. The National Technical University of Athens' Fuels and Lubricants Laboratory has conducted research on this matter, revealing a 10% reduction in deficit quantities and a 92% closure rate for offending gas stations by the tax authority (AADE). However, the study also highlights the persistence of fuel fraud, with a 14.99% deviation from expected quantities in Attica and a 14% deviation in Thessaloniki. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures and the need for further action to protect consumers from this financial loss.
