Concerns about petrol stretching raised in Dáil by Mayo TDs

Minister of State for Finance Simon Harris has urged the public to purchase fuel from reputable dealers to avoid contaminated petrol. He said he was aware that the Revenue Commissioners had recently received reports of the alleged stretching of petrol, using kerosene or other substances.

“Any illegal activity of this kind would be a matter of serious concern because of the significant risks to the exchequer, the threat to legitimate businesses and the damage that can be caused to vehicles of unsuspecting purchasers of adulterated fuel,’’ he added.

“Revenue is investigating the matter and is working in co-operation with representatives of the motor industry.’’

Mr Harris said petrol stretching was an offence carrying a penalty on summary conviction of €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. It was, he added, an indictable conviction and the fine was to a maximum of €126,970 and a prison term of a maximum of five years, or both.

He said that anybody with information about shadow economy activity should pass it on to Revenue.

Mr Harris said he was satisfied with the progress made by Revenue and the fuel sector in implementing very significant supply-chain controls over the past three years. He was replying to Mayo Fine Gael TDs John O'Mahony and Michelle Mulherin.

Cheap but destructive

Mr O’Mahony said that kerosene cost 80 cent per litre, while petrol cost €1.55 per litre, but that kerosene destroyed car engines more quickly than laundered diesel was doing some years ago. “[Petrol stretching] has reached epidemic proportions in my constituency over the past number of weeks, as unsuspecting motorists buy fuel at certain outlets.”

“Some people have had more than one engine destroyed and some insurance companies are excluding it from cover.’’

He added that almost 400 people attended a meeting in Swinford, Co Mayo, on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

Ms Mulherin said there was a crisis in consumer confidence, particularly in east Co Mayo, where there were numerous cases of petrol stretching. “We need immediate intervention because I cannot answer the question of where it is safe to buy petrol. Imagine that in this day and age.’’

Ms Mulherin said that, to restore confidence, the culprits would have to be taken to task.