IPRA Quality Assurance Scheme Launches In Co Meath

The Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) launched a Quality Assurance Scheme (QA) for local petrol retailers in Co Meath earlier this month.

David Blevings, spokesperson for the IPRA said: “We are delighted with the take up of the ‘QA Scheme’ in Meath. The scheme offers consumers the satisfaction in knowing that retailers who display the QA sign at their forecourt are part of an independent scheme which provides consumers with confidence that the fuel they are purchasing meets the current Irish road fuels specification.”

Abused fuel is usually agricultural diesel (that attracts a lower excise rate) which has the dye removed and is sold on as legitimate road diesel. While many believe this product is suitable for road use the reality is that adulterated fuel can cause major problems with diesel cars due to the residue left in the fuel as a result of the laundering process.

David added: “Last year Government gave new tools to Revenue to tackle the curse of fuel abuse which has been welcomed by the legitimate trade. Early indications are that this has curbed the availability of agricultural gas oil being made available for ‘laundering’. However, a new threat has appeared in the form of ‘petrol stretching’ which has seen many motorists left with hefty repair bills after damage to car engines.

“To help address this problem we are launching a Quality Assurance Scheme for IPRA retail members which means that the retailers who display our QA logo verify their supplier(s) and sign up to a random testing protocol for their fuel.”

See the IPRA website for more information