With the rising price of fuel drivers might be tempted to turn to illicit sources of diesel to save money. However the AA has warned that doing so could be a costly mistake.
The fuel is often so-called red diesel, sold for use in farming and agricultural vehicles and taxed at a greatly reduced rate. It is illegal to use red diesel (these days dyed green) in road-going vehicles and drivers caught doing so can face heavy fines.
To avoid detection some unscrupulous operators 'wash' the fuel with sulphuric acid and caustic soda to remove the dye. Aside from the issue of legality such fuel can cause serious engine damage costing thousands of Euros.
The AA advises drivers to make sure that they only buy fuel from reputable suppliers. Drivers who think they have filled up with contaminated diesel should not start their car and contact a recovery service that can drain the fuel tank safely.