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Hunt begins for new diesel fuel marker

An international search for a new fuel marker to help in the fight against diesel fraud has been announced by revenue authorities in the UK and Ireland.
Millions of pounds in revenue are lost each year through fuel laundering – the removal of the chemical markers from low duty diesel to sell it on as road fuel.
Working in partnership, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the UK and the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland are seeking submissions aimed at finding a replacement for the current fiscal fuel markers.
Andy Wiggins, oils policy team leader at HMRC, said: “Although the UK’s current fuel marker is actually one of the better quality markers in use, we are not complacent and appreciate the need to keep one step ahead of fuel launderers.
“Consequently the search for an even more robust marker capable of foiling 21st Century fuel launderers is essential to ensure that opportunities for fraudsters attempting to exploit fuel supplies are reduced and illicit fuel can be detected.”
Revenue Commissioner Liam Irwin said: “Fuel laundering and trading in illicit fuel represents a significant threat to the Exchequer and hurts legitimate businesses. We are determined to take every action necessary to stamp out this form of criminality.”
The joint invitation to make submissions can be found here