The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) launched its Quality Assurance (QA) scheme for retail fuel in Dundalk, Co Louth this week. The scheme offers consumers’ the satisfaction of knowing that retailers who display the QA sign at their forecourt are part of an independent scheme and have agreed to have their fuel independently and randomly tested.

“We have been lobbying Government for several years now and they have finally realised the size and scale of the problem that adulterated fuel poses to the legitimate trade,” David Blevings, media spokesperson for the IPRA said.

“The Finance Department is losing an estimated €200 million every year through lost Revenue when agricultural diesel (that attracts a lower excise rate) has the dye removed and is sold 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.”

Government and Revenue are now making a real effort to tackle this multi-million euro problem through the introduction of new licences and mandatory stock returns. However a recent survey carried out by SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) showed that the problem of fuel laundering and damage to vehicles in Ireland could be worsening. SIMI reported that 68% of members surveyed have had vehicles presented to them with problems as a result of laundered fuel with 69% reporting an increase in activity in the last 12 months.

IPRA has launched their QA initiative in County Louth following requests from local retailers who wish to demonstrate that their fuel meets current Government specification. Each retailer displaying the QA signage has applied to join the scheme and agreed to have their fuel randomly tested by an independent laboratory.

Martin Boylan, Director of Independent Laboratories Ltd in Dublin who is providing the testing for the QA scheme said consumers looking to locate their nearest retailer in Louth who is part of the QA scheme can find their details on the IPRA website at www.ipra.ie and download the IPRA app that will operate on smartphones.