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Customs Bust 'Heating Oil Dieselization' Trend in Aachen

Transport companies are using heating oil to cheat the system. Customs are cracking down, with severe consequences for offenders.

Here we can see a red color vehicle on the road.
Here we can see a red color vehicle on the road.

Customs Bust 'Heating Oil Dieselization' Trend in Aachen

Customs officers in the Aachen district have uncovered a worrying trend: vehicles using heating oil instead of diesel, a practice known as 'heating oil dieselization'. This illegal method, which can also damage engines and increase emissions, is being used by some transport companies to gain an unfair advantage.

During routine checks, customs officers take fuel samples. If heating oil is detected, the tax for the entire tank capacity must be paid, regardless of the amount present. This is because heating oil is marked with a red dye for easy identification.

Officers in the Main Customs Office Aachen have found this practice frequently. A vehicle owner even attempted to conceal tax evasion by painting the diesel filter with color. This illegal activity can result in severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to five years or a substantial fine. The specific head of the main customs office in Aachen was not named, but they can be contacted for further questions.

The use of heating oil in diesel engines is not only illegal but also harmful to engines and the environment. Customs officers are vigilant in detecting and preventing this practice. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the relevant authorities.

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