HMRC Reveals Rise in Illegal Fuel

It is reported that the number of illegal pop up garages caught selling doctored and stolen fuel has risen by 48 per cent, according to figures released by HM Revenue & Customs.

Rising costs of fuel have forced many motorists to look for alternative ways to power their vehicles with “red diesel” being one such solution. Intended for use in agriculture, the fuel is easily spotted thanks to the red dye that is present in it.

Farmers have exclusive use of “red diesel” as it attracts a lower tax rate than conventional fuel, however if a motorist is caught using the diesel in their own vehicle, customs officials have the right to backdate the unpaid tax potentially resulting in a substantial bill.

Some illegal pop up garages have been reported to use chemicals to remove the red colouring from the diesel however this is known to cause serious damage to the engine of the vehicle.

“There were also some massive thefts earlier this year,” explains Mr Bosdet of the AA. “Criminals were literally driving onto forecourts after court and stealing vast quantity directly from the garage reservoirs.”

“In recent months there have been a raft of raids on garages in Kent such as 9,500 litres from one transport company alone., with a forecourt value of more than £13,200.”

It is understood that HMRC have cited the figures in the rise of illegal fuel as being down to improved detection rather than an increase in criminal activity.

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