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15/02/2002
More than half of NI petrol stations sell illegal fuel
More than half of petrol stations in Northern Ireland are selling smuggled fuel, according to the latest UK Audit Office report.
The National Audit Office report, published on Friday February 15 shows that of the 700 filling stations in Northern Ireland around 400 to 450 are selling some illegal fuel, and up to 250 of them may be selling only illegal fuel.
The estimated loss of revenue from smuggled fuel in Northern Ireland the report finds, cost the exchequer £380 million in 2000.
Since 1999-2000 the amount of fuel seized by Customs in Northern Ireland has doubled and the number of vehicles seized involved in smuggling has more than tripled.
According to the report, Customs believe that the smuggling of fuel is a material problem only between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is because of the long land border, and the lower price of both diesel and petrol in the Republic of Ireland compared to the UK.
The report finds that sophisticated criminal groups with experience in smuggling have been capitalising on this distinction.
The Audit Office recommended that Customs and Excise should chemically mark all duty paid fuel in Northern Ireland in a bid to deter smuggling and fuel laundering.
The report's author Sir John Bourn said: "The estimated revenue losses from the misuse and smuggling of hydrocarbon oils duty reveal that growing sums of revenue are being lost through smuggling and the illegal use of rebated fuel. Customs have recognised this problem by producing a strategy to deal with the frauds and are developing that strategy further."
Sir John said that every effort must be made to combat a criminal activity which not only resulted in large amounts of lost duty but also posed threats to health and safety.
(AMcE)
The National Audit Office report, published on Friday February 15 shows that of the 700 filling stations in Northern Ireland around 400 to 450 are selling some illegal fuel, and up to 250 of them may be selling only illegal fuel.
The estimated loss of revenue from smuggled fuel in Northern Ireland the report finds, cost the exchequer £380 million in 2000.
Since 1999-2000 the amount of fuel seized by Customs in Northern Ireland has doubled and the number of vehicles seized involved in smuggling has more than tripled.
According to the report, Customs believe that the smuggling of fuel is a material problem only between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is because of the long land border, and the lower price of both diesel and petrol in the Republic of Ireland compared to the UK.
The report finds that sophisticated criminal groups with experience in smuggling have been capitalising on this distinction.
The Audit Office recommended that Customs and Excise should chemically mark all duty paid fuel in Northern Ireland in a bid to deter smuggling and fuel laundering.
The report's author Sir John Bourn said: "The estimated revenue losses from the misuse and smuggling of hydrocarbon oils duty reveal that growing sums of revenue are being lost through smuggling and the illegal use of rebated fuel. Customs have recognised this problem by producing a strategy to deal with the frauds and are developing that strategy further."
Sir John said that every effort must be made to combat a criminal activity which not only resulted in large amounts of lost duty but also posed threats to health and safety.
(AMcE)
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Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
25 June 2004
Customs seize five fuel tankers in Belfast
Customs officers confirmed that five fuel tankers and over 13,000 litres of fuel were seized during a multi-agency operation in Belfast on Wednesday. Working with the police, Customs officers said that the vehicles and fuel was seized as part of an operation aimed at targeting bulk fuel transport vehicles.
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With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
27 June 2005
Enniskillen facility to safeguard 200 jobs
A new wood fuel pellet production facility based in Enniskillen looks set to safeguard 200 jobs as well as create a further 20 positions in the foreseeable future. Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
Enniskillen facility to safeguard 200 jobs
A new wood fuel pellet production facility based in Enniskillen looks set to safeguard 200 jobs as well as create a further 20 positions in the foreseeable future. Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
