At least 15 locations found retailing unbranded diesel from 'white pumps'

An investigation carried out by The Straits Times has found at least 15 locations in industrial estates where firms retail unbranded diesel via 'white pumps', labelled as such because they sell unbranded fuel, although the state law clearly states the retail of fuel is only permitted at designated kiosks.

Industry players the tabloid spoke to claim operators of 'white pumps' can sell diesel at a discount because they do not incur the same costs faced by oil firms including higher land cost, infrastructure such as underground tanks, amenities such as toilets and air pumps, and advertising and marketing.

According to guidelines set by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), only certain industries - such as those in transport related sectors - are allowed to set up dedicated diesel pumps for the sole purpose of personal consumption.

However, the English daily reported it had no trouble filling up at two 'white pumps' - a furniture factory in Sungei Kadut and a bottled gas supplier in Woodlands.

The former required buyers to dial a number posted at the pump. A few minutes later, an attendant appeared and even provided a receipt for the purchase of diesel. The latter had pump attendants on hand who were selling the fuel, at $1.45 a litre, although prominent signs warning sales of diesel against the public were displayed.

In Tuas, a company called Sysma Energy openly advertises its product. Customers have to apply for a chip-embedded tag to operate its pumps and details on the amount of fuel dispensed, time and date are captured and customers are billed later. Yet, unlike fuel stations, Sysma's diesel does not contain detergent and anti-foaming additives.