Fuel-Mixing Accident at Busan Gas Station Damages About 180 Vehicles

About 180 vehicles in Busan were affected after a gas station mistakenly mixed gasoline and diesel in its fuel system, leaving owners facing repair bills of up to several tens of millions of won.

According to Saha District, a station employee transferred diesel into a gasoline tank at around 11 a.m. on the 25th of last month. The mistake was discovered the following morning after a customer who had filled up at the pump noticed a problem with the vehicle and reported it to the station and the Korea Petroleum Quality and Distribution Authority.

The station has identified around 180 affected vehicles so far. Their owners face repair costs ranging from about 1 million won to several tens of millions of won. The station says it will compensate those affected.

Saha District plans to decide on administrative action after the petroleum authority completes its investigation. If the fuel is classified as counterfeit petroleum, the station could face a three-month business suspension. If it is deemed non-compliant in quality, the penalty will depend on whether officials find intent or gross negligence.