IRELAND: PETROL SMUGGLING RIFE BETWEEN BORDERS
Article Abstract:
Research by the Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) has shown that petrol smuggling is on the increase between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The result has led to the closure of some 70 petrol stations through loss of trade, and a huge decline in revenue for the UK Treasury. Official figures for deliveries of petrol in Northern Ireland have fallen from more than 160,000 tons in the last quarter of 1998-99, to less than 110,000 tons in the first quarter of 2000. The problem lies in the 30p-a-litre price discrepancy between the two countries. Progress towards a peace settlement has led to the abandonment of many border-crossing points, and police and customs do not have sufficient resources to control the trade effectively. Of greater concern to officials however is that petrol smuggling has become a means of raising funds for racketeers and paramilitary organisations. Commenting on the findings, Noel Smyth, regional manager of the PRA, said that whilst he did not condone the trade, it was understandable, and called for petrol duties in Northern Ireland to be treated differently to the rest of the UK.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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UK: FEAR OVER GLOBAL WARMING PLAN
Article Abstract:
UK efforts to eradicate global warming may be adversely impacted by the decision to abolish the yearly increase in petrol duty, Cambridge Econometrics will warn on 31 January 2000. The UK is obliged as part of the Kyoto pact to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 to 12.5% under 1990 levels. However, the economic forecaster believes that by 2010, demand for petrol will have risen by 11% as a result of Chancellor Gordon Brown's decision to ease the fuel-tax regime. The annual petrol duty increase had been regarded as a crucial part of attempts to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 2010 by 20% given that traffic-related emissions are increasing at a rate far greater than any other source.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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UK: PETROL PRICES TO RISE YET AGAIN
Article Abstract:
In August petrol prices, already at a record high of almost 84p per litre, will rise again. The increase is blamed on more expensive crude oil, the weaker pound and increased taxation. According to UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's which has 6.5% of the UK petrol market, the price of crude has increased from US$ 23 in March to over US$ 31. 84% of the cost of petrol in the UK comprises fuel duty and value added tax- a far greater level than in other countries. There can also be a large difference in price according to urban or rural area. The price in rural areas can be as much has 10p higher.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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