North's petrol stations accused of selling smuggled fuel

More than half the petrol stations in Northern Ireland are selling smuggled fuel, according to Britain's National Audit Office.

Customs and Excise authorities estimate in a new report that up to 450 of the 700 filling stations sell some amount of illicit fuel, while as many as 250 sell illegal fuel only.

Cross-border smuggling from the Republic is being blamed, where lower duties mean that diesel oil is about 47 cents a litre cheaper than it is in the North.

The UK treasury could lose about €615m due to the activity, according to the report.