All filling stations found to be cheating consumers

All fuel stations inspected by the Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) were found to have diluted their fuels with other substances detrimental to car engines, the head of the office, Cezary Banasiński, announced yesterday. However, he warned that UOKiK is virtually powerless as it lacks the necessary funds to continue its inspections. In response to the news, the Sejm's economy commission pledged to turn to the government for an official reaction. According to the UOKiK report, in 50% of cases the quality of fuel was so poor that filling the tank of a new car with 'improved' gasoline could completely destroy the engine. Testing a single sample costs between zł. 1,000 and zł. 3,000 however UOKiK and the National Trade Inspectorate cannot expect further funding until 2004 when the Fuel Quality Monitoring bill takes effect. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 21; www.onet.pl) J.K.