Local DUP Ballymoney Councillor, John Finlay, has welcomed the find by HM Revenue and Customs officials of illegal fuel being sold at a Ballymoney Petrol station.
Speaking today he said:
“It is always good news to hear that illegal fuel has been taken off our streets. Fuel smuggling is poisoning our society and the more illegal fuel taken off our streets the better.
This type of fuel is not normally sold to consumers any cheaper, and if it is it is no cheaper than a couple of pence. Consumers should note that it is bad for your car’s engine and can cause irrepairable damage.
As the price at the pump continues to rise, which I am very concerned about, we are seeing more and more independent retailers opt for cheaper wholesale fuel. We must stamp this out as ultimately the person who suffers is the consumer whilst criminals gain. The consumer is therefore paying into a criminal empire without knowing.
I feel that there is a responsibility on Government to reduce the level of tax paid on fuel in order to help independent retailers and hinder fuel smugglers who are ripping us off.
Furthermore this type of trade is giving worthy and legitimate retailers a bad name and it is vital that we support them in what is a difficult business. I would urge people to be cautious.”
