Petroleum pact: The Customs & Excise Department and the oil industry renew the Oil Industry Reward Scheme agreement.

The Oil Industry Reward Scheme has been renewed for another year, effective October 1.

The scheme was launched in 1996 to encourage the public to provide information on illicit fuel activities. The oil industry contributes $1 million annually to pay for rewards to people who provide information leading to the seizure and forfeiture of illicit fuel.

Higher rewards may be paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved, ranging from $1,500 to $170,000.

Over the last 12 months rewards totalling $43,000 have been paid for information in four cases, leading to the arrest of eight people and the seizure of 31,683 litres of illicit fuel.

The Customs & Excise Department appeals to the public to provide information to assist its continuing enforcement action against illicit fuel. Information can be submitted by telephone on 2545 6182 (24 hours), by fax on 2543 4942, by letter to the Customs & Excise Department, GPO Box 1166, or in person.