Filling stations combat petrol stretching in Galway

Fuel retailers in Galway have launched a new quality assurance scheme in response to the negative publicity surrounding ‘petrol stretching’ in recent months.

Filling stations who sign up to the scheme consent to random testing of their fuel.

Hundreds of petrol-engine cars across the West were seriously damaged – and many had to be written off – because of the scam involving rogue retailers who were adding kerosene and other mixing agents to ‘dilute’ fuel.

Despite the scam being widespread, just 21 cases were reported to the Gardaí in Galway between July and December last year, and 17 complaints made to Revenue.

During the same period, there were 222 complaints made to Gardaí in Mayo.

Now, the Irish Petrol Retailers’ Association has introduced a Quality Assurance scheme for the West, which will see random testing carried out on filling stations who are members of the group.

Spokesperson David Blevings said that while the ongoing problem of laundered diesel appeared to have been curbed, petrol-stretching is a new threat.

“Abused fuel is usually agricultural diesel (that attracts a lower excise rate) which has the dye removed and is sold on as legitimate road diesel.

“While many believe this product is suitable for road use, the reality is that adulterated fuel can cause major problems with diesel cars due to the residue left in the fuel as a result of the laundering process.

“In 2013 the Government gave new tools to Revenue to tackle the curse of fuel abuse which has been welcomed by the legitimate trade.

“Early indications are that this has curbed the availability of agricultural gasoil being made available for laundering.

“However, a new threat has appeared in the form of ‘petrol stretching which has seen many motorists left with hefty repair bills after damage to car engines.

“Retailers who display our QA logo verify their suppliers and sign up to a random testing protocol for their fuel. The legitimate retailer who has nothing to fear will have no qualms about testing and should see his trade increase,” said Mr Blevings.

A map of Galway stations which have signed up to the QA scheme is available at ipra.ie