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27/03/2009
50,000 Litre Green Diesel Seizure Investigated
The source of up to 50,000 litres of laundered green diesel seized at the Port of Holyhead earlier this week is being investigated by officers from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The fuel was discovered in two freight lorries by customs officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) on Wednesday. Each trailer contained a concealed tank.
One tank was properly welded inside the trailer but the second - weighing around 20 tins - was crudely attached using only two cargo straps to secure it.
The rented vehicles - one of which was registered in Northern Ireland, and the other in Britain - were carrying loads of waste cardboard.
This cargo concealed the tanks, which each contained an estimated 20-25,000 litres of laundered green diesel.
"Fuel launderers show no regard for honest drivers, businesses and the environment. The fact that one tank, full of heavy and flammable fuel, was simply strapped on also shows utter contempt for the safety of other road users," Andrew Pavlinic, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation, HMRC said.
"HMRC takes very seriously the unfair and illegal practice of selling laundered fuel. The seizure has prevented a significant quantity of illicit fuel from entering the market, and prevented criminals from undercutting honest business."
He added: "Cheap, illegal fuel isn't a bargain. Its production and the waste products from the laundering process can cause considerable damage to the environment, and can cause serious damage to vehicle engines. If someone offers you cheap fuel that seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is just that."
The two drivers were arrested, interviewed and bailed pending further enquires. They will return for further questioning on 20 May.
(JM/BMcC)
The fuel was discovered in two freight lorries by customs officers from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) on Wednesday. Each trailer contained a concealed tank.
One tank was properly welded inside the trailer but the second - weighing around 20 tins - was crudely attached using only two cargo straps to secure it.
The rented vehicles - one of which was registered in Northern Ireland, and the other in Britain - were carrying loads of waste cardboard.
This cargo concealed the tanks, which each contained an estimated 20-25,000 litres of laundered green diesel.
"Fuel launderers show no regard for honest drivers, businesses and the environment. The fact that one tank, full of heavy and flammable fuel, was simply strapped on also shows utter contempt for the safety of other road users," Andrew Pavlinic, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation, HMRC said.
"HMRC takes very seriously the unfair and illegal practice of selling laundered fuel. The seizure has prevented a significant quantity of illicit fuel from entering the market, and prevented criminals from undercutting honest business."
He added: "Cheap, illegal fuel isn't a bargain. Its production and the waste products from the laundering process can cause considerable damage to the environment, and can cause serious damage to vehicle engines. If someone offers you cheap fuel that seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is just that."
The two drivers were arrested, interviewed and bailed pending further enquires. They will return for further questioning on 20 May.
(JM/BMcC)
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12 November 2012
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
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Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
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Fuel protests threatened
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Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
24 June 2005
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
