ANAF raid at the pumps. Fines for gas stations that unjustifiably raised fuel prices in the midst of the crisis
More than 40 fuel companies have been sanctioned by ANAF in recent weeks. The checks, which began at the end of March, checked the entire chain – from import to the pump – to eliminate illegal tax practices that emerged during the price crisis.
Gas stations fined by ANAF due to the unjustified increase in fuel prices
“To prevent and combat possible fiscal non-compliance in the context of hydrocarbon price volatilityfrom March 20 of this year until now, the inspectors of the General Anti-Fraud Fiscal Directorate (DGAF) within ANAF checked 46 taxpayers specialized in the import, storage and sale of fuels. Thus, ANAF Antifraud inspectors identified contraventions for which they ordered a warning, 13 fines and confiscations in the total amount of 122,387 lei. They also calculated additional tax obligations in the amount of 17,264 lei“, answered ANAF to the “Truth” request.
ANAF specified that the anti-tax fraud checks will continue on the entire chain of distribution and sale of petroleum products to ensure fiscal compliance and a fair competitive environment, as a premise for a stabilization of the fuel market during this period.
On March 19, ANAF announced that it will carry out a series of checks in order to identify economic operators who try to create tax advantages by artificially increasing purchase/production costs. At the same time, situations where there are suspicions of tax fraud associated with practices that may distort the market are also checked.
ANAF emphasizes that it wants to ensure that gas stations do not affect fair competition or the interests of consumers. “In cases where the ascertained facts are likely to affect fair competition or the interests of the consumer, through speculative practices, the competent state institutions will be notified”states the Tax Office.
The institution also states that the main objective is “ensuring fiscal compliance and a fair competitive environment, as a prerequisite for o stabilization of the fuel market during this period“.
ANAF is not the only institution that monitors the evolution of prices. The Competition Council in turn monitors the market to identify possible anti-competitive practices, but so far no data has been published to indicate the existence of a specula.
Also, the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC) carries out checks to prevent possible deviations that could affect consumers.
