Customs Crack Down: Heating Oil Use in Vehicles Rises

Heating oil in vehicles is on the rise in Aachen. Officials are cracking down to prevent tax evasion and engine damage.

, and Administrator

2025 October 1 . 6:00 PM

1 min read

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

Customs Crack Down: Heating Oil Use in Vehicles Rises

Customs officials in the district of the Main Customs Office Aachen have noticed a rise in cases of vehicles using heating oil instead of diesel, a practice known as 'heating oil dieselization'. This illegal method aims to evade tax but can lead to severe penalties and engine damage.

Officials have found heating oil in vehicle tanks during random checks. The red dye marking heating oil helps them identify the illegal fuel. Some transport companies are suspected of using this method to gain an unfair advantage. In one instance, a vehicle owner attempted to hide tax evasion by painting the diesel filter.

The use of heating oil in motor vehicles is prohibited. It can cause engine damage and increase pollutant emissions. If heating oil is discovered, the tax for the entire tank capacity must be paid, regardless of how much is left. Tax evasion can result in a prison sentence of up to five years or a substantial fine.

The Main Customs Office Aachen urges drivers to avoid using heating oil in their vehicles. This practice is not only illegal but also harmful to engines and the environment. Officials will continue to monitor and penalize such activities to maintain fair competition and protect consumers.