Senator Mary Moran

Senator Mary Moran

Thursday, 28 August 2014

Louth drivers: warning over petrol-stretching




Labour Senator Mary Moran has warned motorists in Louth to be cognisant of the dangers of ‘petrol-stretching’, which involves fuel being illegally contaminated with kerosene.

“In recent days, there have been reports of cars across the midlands, west and border regions having their engines severely damaged due to petrol-stretching.   
“Petrol-stretching involves a supplier adding up to 10 percent kerosene to petrol before it is being sold on to unwitting drivers. It is seen to be more dangerous than laundered diesel because of the speed at which it can damage an engine.
“I would urge all motorists in Louth, particularly those with smaller engines, to be cognisant of this potentially serious threat of petrol stretching. Watch out for the key signs that your car has been affected, including a lack of power, misfiring of the engine and a knocking noise. Customers who notice any of these should immediately alert a mechanic and the petrol station they last visited.
“According to the authorities, the petrol is being mixed with kerosene after it arrives into a county, and identifying the culprits is proving difficult due to the multitude of suppliers.
“However, I am aware that an investigation involving the Revenue, Customs and Excise Officers, and the Gardai is looking into this worrying new trend.” 

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