Oil workers warn of fraud in the sale of biofuel, which amounted to HRK 72.5 million

The Spanish Association of Petroleum Derivatives Operators (AOP) calls on the government, according to the results of the polls, to put an end to the fraudulent practices that have been taking place in the fuel distribution market in recent years. As VAT fraud, which causes “the problem of unfair competition in the sector” and “harms the public purse and the end consumer”. and fraud in the sale of biofuels, which the employer quantifies at 72.5 million euros in 2021. AOP explains that the circulation of these products is verified by the certification system, so there is a possibility of partial fulfillment of the sales obligation by compensatory payment. But as the obligations for the sale of biofuel increased, so did the unpaid amounts due to the lack of certificates that each entity must obtain. This fraud, the association assures, entails “damage to the environment, by delaying the effective fulfillment of the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the field of mobility and presupposes a change in the correct functioning of the market, which damages the competitiveness of operators who respect the regulations compared to those who cheat”.

Oil employers propose the eradication of these frauds, among other things, the establishment of the obligation to present a financial guarantee for the performance of activities and the immediate application of the criminal regime of the law on hydrocarbons by opening disciplinary file to all entities that do not respect their obligation to sell biofuels.

AOP also welcomes the measures of the eleventh package of sanctions against Russia, agreed on June 23, to curb the entry of Russian diesel into Spain that is sold through third countries.