18/04/2002
Fuel smuggling targeted in UK Chancellor's Budget
UK Chancellor Gordon Brown has targeted fuel smuggling with new budget measures aimed at reducing the illegal cross-border trade.
The measures include tighter controls over fuel destined for agricultural use and improved marking of diesel fuel to curb illegal sale of fuel.
The most recent figures available indicate that fuel smuggling was costing the UK treasury and estimated £830 million a year in unlevied tax. Government spending watchdog, the National Audit Office, revealed that in Northern Ireland cross-border smuggling combined with legitimate fuel purchases were costing around £380 million.
In his Budget speech the Chancellor revealed the new measures which will tighten up on regulation of the distribution of rebated fuels such as 'red' diesel. Also under tougher scrutiny will be paraffin and home heating fuel oil. Suppliers will have to be able to produce evidence that sales are going toward approved uses and not to fraudulent traders.
A new European fuel marking agent will be added to 'red' diesel which will make it more difficult to launder the fuel for illegal sale. Among the largest single problems in terms of lost fuel revenue in the UK remains the use of reduced-duty fuel intended for agricultural purposes finding its way into diesel vehicles. In addition the Chancellor set aside more money to detect this type of fuel fraud.
Recent estimates highlighted that in Northern Ireland almost over half of the retail outlets in the province were selling some illegal fuel, and some were selling no legal fuel what so ever.
(SP)
The measures include tighter controls over fuel destined for agricultural use and improved marking of diesel fuel to curb illegal sale of fuel.
The most recent figures available indicate that fuel smuggling was costing the UK treasury and estimated £830 million a year in unlevied tax. Government spending watchdog, the National Audit Office, revealed that in Northern Ireland cross-border smuggling combined with legitimate fuel purchases were costing around £380 million.
In his Budget speech the Chancellor revealed the new measures which will tighten up on regulation of the distribution of rebated fuels such as 'red' diesel. Also under tougher scrutiny will be paraffin and home heating fuel oil. Suppliers will have to be able to produce evidence that sales are going toward approved uses and not to fraudulent traders.
A new European fuel marking agent will be added to 'red' diesel which will make it more difficult to launder the fuel for illegal sale. Among the largest single problems in terms of lost fuel revenue in the UK remains the use of reduced-duty fuel intended for agricultural purposes finding its way into diesel vehicles. In addition the Chancellor set aside more money to detect this type of fuel fraud.
Recent estimates highlighted that in Northern Ireland almost over half of the retail outlets in the province were selling some illegal fuel, and some were selling no legal fuel what so ever.
(SP)
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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.
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.
13 June 2002
Crackdown on illegal fuel trade continues
A major fuel laundering plant, three filling stations and over 100 vehicles have been snared in a weeklong blitz by Customs on illegal fuel trading. The laundering plant, which was discovered in farm buildings on the outskirts of Cookstown, County Tyrone had the capacity to launder over 100,000 litres of diesel per week.
Crackdown on illegal fuel trade continues
A major fuel laundering plant, three filling stations and over 100 vehicles have been snared in a weeklong blitz by Customs on illegal fuel trading. The laundering plant, which was discovered in farm buildings on the outskirts of Cookstown, County Tyrone had the capacity to launder over 100,000 litres of diesel per week.
06 February 2004
Two-day fuel operation leads to £13,000 fines
A two-day joint Customs and PSNI operation in the west of the province has led to the detection of 24 vehicles using illegal fuel and up to £13,000 worth of fines being handed out to drivers.
Two-day fuel operation leads to £13,000 fines
A two-day joint Customs and PSNI operation in the west of the province has led to the detection of 24 vehicles using illegal fuel and up to £13,000 worth of fines being handed out to drivers.
13 June 2025
NI Pensioners To Receive Winter Fuel Payments
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that pensioners in Northern Ireland will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, following a recent government reversal on eligibility restrictions.
NI Pensioners To Receive Winter Fuel Payments
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that pensioners in Northern Ireland will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, following a recent government reversal on eligibility restrictions.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.