FuelsEurope statement on illegal fiscal activities in the fuel business (“grey economy”)

FuelsEurope represents all 41 companies refining petroleum into fuels and products, in the EU-28 countries. These companies supply a large majority of fuels sold in Europe, and in doing so, collect some €270 Billion annually for governments.

With regard to the ongoing debate on the “Grey Economy” in certain EU countries, FuelsEurope expects that Governments make sure that businesses operating in full compliance with fiscal regulations are not damaged by illegal businesses supplying fuels while not collecting the relevant taxes.

We call for all EU Governments to take strong action to prevent illegal businesses from taking advantage of ineffective implementation of fiscal regulations, which consequently damage the business of fuel suppliers operating legally and complying with the law by providing this important role for society.