Customs finds paraffin in 25% of CV fuel tanks
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• by Melanie Hammond
Almost 25% of the HGVs stopped at roadside checks by Customs & Excise are found to have traces of paraffin (kersosene) in their Fuel tanks.
According to Customs officer Darren Snowball, there has been a huge increase in its use over the past five months as hauliers take desperate measures to offset the latest diesel duty increases. But he warns that, as well as being illegal, paraffin can do serious damage to a diesel engine_ Snowball describes the trend as "quite disturbing" and points out this practice carries huge safety risks.
He points out that paraffin is "far more flammable than diesel" and more likely to catch fire in an accident".
It also lacks the lubrication qualities of diesel and can lead to increased friction, overheating and excessive fuel pump wear. The Customs spokesman warns that even when paraffin
makes up only 30% of the volume, damage to engine components can be significant.
"The users of kerosene do not have the full facts at their disposal," he concludes. "Any savings will be more than offset if a new engine or vehicle is needed sooner than was anticipated."
Hauliers found using paraffin face a £250 fine as well as a backdated demand for the evaded fuel duty—and their vehicles could be seized.