Autogas hit by illegal trading

The growing Greek market of LPG, also known as autogas as it is the form of natural gas used as car fuel, is taking a blow from widespread smuggling, which costs the state an estimated 13 million euros per year.

An estimated 10 percent of the LPG trade in the country is conducted illegally, due to the difference in the special consumption tax in its uses, with smugglers using low-taxed industrial gas as autogas to pocket the difference in the tax.

The fuel tax adjustment as of January 2017 offers illegal traders a chance to increase their profits, as the tax on autogas will rise to 430 euros/ton from 330 euros/ton, against just 70 euros/ton on industrial gas.