All-time high fuel smuggling 'threatening Mayo jobs'

Solid Fuel Merchants Ireland (SFMI), the largest representative body for solid fuel retailers in Ireland, has warned that fuel smuggling and courier-dropped pallets are now at an all-time high, threatening rural jobs, undercutting compliant merchants and depriving the exchequer of vital revenue.

SFMI members are reporting a surge in unregulated pallet drops.

These bulk deliveries of non-compliant fuel evade carbon tax and quality checks while flooding the market with unchecked product.

Responding to the latest surge in illegal activity, Colin Ahern, chairperson of SFMI, said:“The abuse of courier-dropped pallets has reached crisis point.

"Legitimate retailers are being pushed to the brink while illegal operators profit.

"This is robbing the State of millions, undermining climate goals and exposing families to harmful emissions. Government must act before more businesses are forced to close.”

The issue is worsened by loopholes in the post-Brexit “Green Lane” system that reduces cross-border checks and makes it easier for smuggled solid fuel to enter the Republic.

To stem the problem, SFMI’s Budget 2026 Submission calls for:

Stronger enforcement: More resources for Revenue, An Garda Síochána and local authorities.

Mandatory EPA registration: All retailers brought under oversight.

Fuel allowance reform: Voucher system through Intreo to support compliant local merchants.

Regulatory sunset clause: Keep protective measures in place until 500,000 homes are retrofitted.

“Illegal traders are damaging the environment and destroying fair competition,” Ahern added.

“Government must back compliant family businesses and secure a clean, fair fuel future in the upcoming budget and we look forward to making our case to them over the coming weeks.”