Experts have issued an urgent warning to motorists about the huge threats they face when filling up with contaminated fuel at the petrol station.
Drivers in Scotland were recently impacted after purchasing contaminated premium diesel from a major supermarket petrol station, with some facing repair costs reaching £7,000.
The tainted fuel has destroyed multiple vehicle engines beyond repair, forcing several owners to declare their cars and vans as total losses.
Recovery teams responding to breakdowns in Kirkcaldy discovered the contaminated diesel had a distinctive “milky white” appearance, indicating severe chemical or water contamination.
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Drivers are being warned of massive repair costs if they use contaminated fuel
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The crisis has prompted affected motorists to unite in pursuing legal action against the fuel retailer, alleging negligence in handling the contamination issue.
Initial problems emerged in December 2024, followed by a second wave of incidents in August 2025, suggesting the contamination was not an isolated occurrence.
The financial impact has been particularly severe for small business owners, who report combined expenses for repairs and replacement vehicles approaching the £7,000 mark.
Gordon Wallis, a fuel expert at Interfuels, explained that modern diesel engines are extremely vulnerable to contamination.
Around 150,000 cases of contaminated fuel issues are recorded every year | PAThe expert warned: “Contaminated fuel can be catastrophic for modern engines.
“Diesel systems in particular are highly sensitive – even small amounts of water, chemicals, or sediment can cause corrosion, clog injectors and lead to complete engine failure.”
Mr Wallis identified the milky-white appearance as indicative of water or chemical contamination that should never be present in diesel tanks.
He said: “What’s being described – a milky-white fuel – points to a water or chemical mix that should never be in a diesel tank.”
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The motoring expert suggested potential causes include contaminated deliveries entering the supply chain or inadequate maintenance of storage tanks at the forecourt.
“Either way, the responsibility lies with suppliers to ensure quality control,” he emphasised.
The recurring nature of the contamination has led Mr Wallis to question whether this represents systematic failure rather than an isolated incident.
He continued: “If reports are correct, and this problem has recurred over months, then it’s not just a one-off accident.
Affected drivers in Kirkcaldy said they have been left with thousands of pounds worth of damage to their vehicles
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PA“Motorists who rely on their vehicles for work have every right to feel angry. The financial and safety implications are enormous.”
In the event that a car suddenly loses power, drivers should immediately stop and seek professional help.
Mr Wallis also called on impacted motorists to keep their receipt and retain a sample of fuel, describing it as a “vital” step if they want to pursue compensation.
