Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has said that the public must be made aware of any business found to be selling illegal fuel in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after it emerged that 467 filling stations have been caught stocking illicit fuel here in the last four years, Mr Elliott described HM Revenue and Customs assertion that they can’t be named due to “taxpayer confidentiality” as “absolutely outrageous”. 

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative said:

“It appears that if a filling station is found to be stocking illegal fuel in Northern Ireland, it gets raided but nobody gets charged, nobody is found guilty and nobody is named. So just what is to stop the same premises doing the same thing again a week later? Absolutely nothing. They have no fear of any serious consequences. The fact that there hasn't been anyone jailed for fuel laundering here in 11 years speaks for itself.

“By contrast, if a consumer is caught with illegal fuel in their vehicle, their vehicle can be seized and they can face a £500 on-the-spot fine. Moreover, in addition to potential prosecution, there is also the damage illicit fuel can cause to the mechanics of an engine and the fact that the government, and therefore the taxpayer, loses out on tens of millions of pounds in tax which should be invested in society. This is a scandalous situation.” 

“There are several reports of this happening in Fermanagh, but without these fuel stations being named and those behind the supply of the illegal fuel being convicted then there is no pressure to stop this behaviour. Given the law of averages this could result in 25 or more filling stations in Fermanagh having been caught stocking this illicit fuel - The next time someone drives onto the courtyard of a filling station I’m sure many will be asking themselves ‘does this station sell legal fuel’? This is unfair to the consumer and unfair to those filling stations who are stocking legal fuel.

“I believe that any business which is found to be stocking illegal fuel should be pursued by HMRC and, if they’re found guilty, should be named publicly so that consumers are protected. People deserve to know that what they are paying for is legitimate, and I don’t accept that “taxpayer confidentiality” should overrule consumer rights.

“I will seek an urgent meeting with HMRC to discuss this matter. It’s a ludicrous situation which should not be allowed to continue.”