MOTORISTS IN Border areas are demanding Customs officials clamp down on pump operators who they claim are selling laundered diesel.
Two men told the Donegal Newsthis week they both bought what they thought was legitimate diesel from the same operator. Their vans broke down a short time later and their fuel tanks were full of "watery" and dirty diesel.
One businessman, who did not wish to be named, said he had spent more than €3,000 repairing the engine in his van after buying what he described as “dodgy diesel”. “I had been buying my diesel from the same pumps for over three years,” he explained.
“Then, a couple of months ago, I filled the van at the same place and 20 minutes later the van stopped along the road. I removed the fuel filter, and the diesel was filthy. I rang the pump operator straight away and he denied there was anything wrong with his diesel and [said] that I was the only person to complain,” he added.
Chemicals used in laundering agricultural diesel remain in the oil and can cause severe damage to engines and fuel pumps. “All the injectors and pumps in my van were destroyed and I had to get a mechanic to completely refurbish my engine,” the businessman said.
A spokesperson for the Revenue Commissioners said they had received reports across the State from individuals who suspect their engines have been damaged by laundered fuel. “Our advice is to be cautious if fuel is significantly below the normal cost price,” the spokesperson said.
Persons with suspicions concerning any outlets, or with information on diesel laundering, are urged to contact Revenue enforcement staff or Revenue’s enforcement manager on 086-1713981 in strictest confidence.