‘Pirated Diesel Pumps’ Popping Up in S’pore & People Regretted Using Them

It seems that everything’s getting pirated nowadays.

DVDs, games, brands, you name it, they probably pirated it.

Heck, they even pirated the Merlion, for goodness’ sake.

But here’s the thing;

It seems that there’s one more version on the list, and this one’s a lot more unimaginable than the ones you’ve previously thought of:

Entire diesel stations, also known as ‘white pumps‘.

‘Pirated Diesel Pumps’ Popping Up in S’pore

According to The Straits Times, up to 50 “white pumps” have been spotted all across Singapore.

This is more than three times the number back in 2014 when the newspaper publication last reported on the trend.

Lest you’re unaware, “white pumps” commonly retail unbranded and uncertified diesel at half the price posted at regular pumps.

Or to put it in simpler terms, they’re pirated copies of actual diesel stations. 

According to the news report, these sites can mostly be found in industrial areas such as Sungei Kadut, Woodlands and Tuas. A quick check by The Straits Times also revealed one site to be situated in the mixed district of Sin Ming.

It sits right next to a National Environment Agency regional office too.

Well, you know what they say:

“Sometimes, an obvious-sounding spot can actually be the hardest place to find.”

Or at least, that’s what was probably going through their minds.

For the record, diesel retails at around $1.50 per litre at regular stations but costs just 70 to 80 cents a litre at white pumps.

According to industry players, operators of white pumps are able to sell fuel at a discount because they do not face the same costs incurred by oil firms.

These include land cost, infrastructure, amenities and advertising and marketing.

However, People Are Regretting Using Them

Apart from the illegal nature of these ‘pirated copies’, white pump operators are also infamous for their ‘quantity over quality’ aspect.

“You can never be sure about the fuel quality at these pumps,” one industry source said. “The accuracy of their pump meters is also questionable.”

In addition, automotive experts have also warned of risks of engine damage.

“Newer diesel engines are highly precise and require the latest Euro 6 fuels. Otherwise, their injectors will get clogged, resulting in weaker performance, poorer efficiency and even breakdowns.”

And previous consumers concurred. Commercial vehicle fleet owner Andy Goh, for one, stated that he used to fill up at white pumps because of the sweet-sounding prices, but has since stopped as the ‘discount’ seems to come at a more ‘costly’ alternative.

“It’s cheaper, but there’s no power,” he said. “It’s quite evident – soon after you fill up, you feel the power dropping.

“I understand from workshops that there’s been a lot of breakdowns associated with poor diesel quality.”

And Engineer Ng Tzong Sheng echoed the same sentiments.

“Just after 20,000km, all the injectors and other components were clogged with carbon,” he said.

Action Will Be Taken Against These Pirated Versions

According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) guidelines, only particular industries, such as those operating in transport-related fields, are permitted to open their own diesel pumps.

And even then, the fuel must be for their own consumption, and cannot be sold to the public.

Meanwhile, the JTC said that it was working with the relevant authorities to penalise tenants which store or retail diesel in an illegal manner.

“We are aware of feedback regarding the unauthorised sale of diesel at some JTC premises,” the joint reply between JTC and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said.

“Companies that want to install diesel tanks and store diesel on JTC’s premises must obtain approvals from JTC and SCDF before doing so.

“JTC and SCDF will work together to take enforcement action against lessees and tenants who engage in unauthorised storage of diesel.”

The JTC added that it will also cooperate with the URA to “take appropriate action against offending lessees and tenants who sell diesel illegally”.

Should anyone have information on such violations, they can call 1800-568-7000.

And with that said, please avoid these “white pumps” as best as you can. Sure, they may offer cheaper prices as compared to the market rate…

But in the long run, I think your car won’t feel so good about it.

Just speculation.

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