Revenue officers are continuing to carry out checkpoints targeting the misuse of marked mineral oil - also known as green diesel.
Green diesel is taxed at a reduced rate that has been paid on the condition that it is used only for the purposes that qualify for that reduced rate, such as agriculture.
It is chemically marked and dyed green to deter misuse for purposes to which a higher rate of tax applies.
It is illegal to use marked gas oil or marked kerosene in road vehicles, according to authorities.
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With the cost of fuel rising across the globe amid the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, officers will be on alert for any illegal use of this oil in vehicles across the country.
The maximum penalty for those who are found guilty of the offence can be charged up to €5,000 on conviction.
Most recently, Revenue officers detected and seized 14,000 litres of marked mineral oil in Dundalk, Co Louth.
Following further searches, two oil tankers involved in the fuel laundering process were found, one containing 8,000 litres of laundered fuel.
A van which acted as a mobile oil laundry and contained oil laundering apparatus was seized as well as 400 kilos of bleaching earth, a product used in the laundering of prescribed markers from rebated mineral oil.
A spokesperson for the Revenue told the Irish Mirror: “Officers routinely operate checkpoints targeting the misuse of marked mineral oil. The frequency and nature of these checkpoints is determined by risk.
“Marked Gas Oil (often referred to as green diesel) attracts a low rate of excise duty and its use in ordinary road vehicles is illegal.
“Tackling shadow economy activity in all its forms, including any form of misuse of marked mineral oil is a key priority in Revenue’s drive to maximise compliance and protect legitimate trade.
“Revenue policy is that all detections of the misuse of marked mineral oil are investigated with a view to prosecution. The maximum penalty on summary conviction for a first offence is €5,000.”
“Revenue is not complacent as regards the misuse of marked mineral oil and fuel laundering.
“We are alert to the risks posed by the illegal fuel trade and are ready to respond to any new developments in this area.”
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