Duty Rebate in Ireland Could Lead to More Illicit Diesel Use
The republic of Ireland will be introducing a rebate this summer on fuel duty for goods vehicle operators, but the Road Haulage Association (RHA) fears that this will tempt more operators to use illicit fuel.
RHA policy director Jack Semple said that the rebate (which is up to 7.5%) that the Republic of Ireland will be able to claim back every four months after July, dropping from 48.5 to 41 Euro Cents, around 34.5p, would increase the discrepancy even more in the duty levels payable between the ROI and UK. This could therefore make illicit fuel seem more attractive to hauliers in the UK who will be facing more pressure from their competitors in the ROI, with the hauliers based around the respective ports being most at risk.
Whilst this rebate will help to reduce ROI’s demand for illicit fuel, it may encourage the UK to import more of it. Semple said that “more action needs to be taken to clamp down illegal diesel laundering which is often run by criminal organisations”.
For more information on the new approach to diesel laundering visit the RHA website at www.rha.uk.
RHA policy director Jack Semple said that the rebate (which is up to 7.5%) that the Republic of Ireland will be able to claim back every four months after July, dropping from 48.5 to 41 Euro Cents, around 34.5p, would increase the discrepancy even more in the duty levels payable between the ROI and UK. This could therefore make illicit fuel seem more attractive to hauliers in the UK who will be facing more pressure from their competitors in the ROI, with the hauliers based around the respective ports being most at risk.
Whilst this rebate will help to reduce ROI’s demand for illicit fuel, it may encourage the UK to import more of it. Semple said that “more action needs to be taken to clamp down illegal diesel laundering which is often run by criminal organisations”.
For more information on the new approach to diesel laundering visit the RHA website at www.rha.uk.
