(KPL) Authorities uncovered an illegal fuel production facility in Vientiane producing substandard fuel with dangerously high sulfur content, officials said following a raid conducted on April 4, 2026.

The operation was led by the Fuel Quality Management Task Force in coordination with the Fuel Volume and Quality Inspection Department under the Department of Standardization and Metrology. The targeted factory, located along Highway 13 South, had been under suspicion for producing low-quality fuel.

Inspectors found that the facility had installed machinery to process plastic waste and refine used engine oil into fuel products.

Authorities determined the operation was illegal on multiple grounds, including the absence of a business license, lack of certified quality testing, and failure to pay required customs duties and taxes.

Large quantities of finished fuel were also discovered at the site, reportedly prepared for distribution to general gas stations.

Laboratory analysis revealed the fuel contained sulfur levels of 1,331 parts per million (PPM), far exceeding legal safety standards.

Officials warned that such fuel can cause serious damage to vehicles, including engine clogging, accelerated wear of components, reduced engine lifespan, and increased environmental pollution through excessive black smoke emissions.

Authorities have seized all equipment and fuel products as evidence and are proceeding with legal action against those involved.

Consumers are urged to remain cautious when purchasing fuel and to report any suspicious activities via the official hotline.

Hotline: 1513

KPL