Spain cracks down on cheapest diesel, warns of up to 12,000 euro fines

Spain's Guardia Civil is cracking down on drivers using cheap, often illicit diesel fuel, warning that using such fuel can result in fines of up to 12,000 euros.

Illicit diesel distributors targeted

Agents have begun pursuing phantom companies that distribute the fuel, which often disappears within months without a trace, allowing them to evade paying VAT. However, the Guardia Civil's true goal is to stop drivers exploiting cheap, often adulterated diesel designed for agricultural use.

With regular diesel prices approaching 2 euros a liter, desperate motorists are seeking out the cheaper alternative, which can cost between 1 and 1.20 euros per liter depending on the pump. This old trick thought to be a relic of the past has made a comeback in force following the Iran conflict and subsequent fuel price hikes.

Guardia Civil agents are increasing rural checks to verify drivers are using the correct fuel. They only need to take a small sample from the vehicle's tank. Agricultural diesel has a distinctive reddish color that sets it apart from regular fuel at a glance. Even if you filled up a few weeks ago and then used conventional diesel, the sample may still be reddish due to colorants added by distributors that can create sediment that accumulates months later. If suspected, the sample is sent to official labs for analysis. If confirmed as agricultural fuel, fines range from 600 euros for small cars to 1,200 for mid-size vehicles and over 12,000 euros for commercial and industrial vehicles.