Retailers ‘drawn to illegal fuel trade’

Struggling retailers are increasingly being drawn into the illegal fuel trade as laundering operations escalate in the Border counties, it has been warned.

David Blevings of the Irish Petrol Retail Association said the group was aware of oil distributors being approached by people looking to sell illegal laundered fuel.

Speaking at an Oireachtas committee hearing on an issue that could cost the exchequer €200m annually, Mr Blevings said legislation does not permit proper enforcement as retailers only face a one-day closure and a fine if caught with illegal fuel.