Concerns Raised Over Supermarket Fuel

9.36.16am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 1st Mar 2007

Drivers in Norfolk have been reporting to local garages with concerns over the performance of their vehicles. One such driver is Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, Simon Wright, who has now written to the main supermarket chains supplying unleaded petrol in Norwich.

"My car's warning light for exhaust emissions came on last week," said Mr Wright. "The repair garage that I took the car to was able to fix the problem temporarily, but the light reappeared again this week. I'm told that a number of other drivers have picked up a similar problem in the last few days."

"The garage doesn't know the exact cause, but have been notified that there could be an issue with a batch of fuel currently being sold at some supermarket petrol stations. My concern is that it doesn't seem to be clear exactly what the cause is, or whether cars could be permanently damaged as a result."

"I have written to the Chief Executives of the four main supermarket chains that could be affected, and I've asked them to investigate this issue and comment on whether the fuel could cause longer term problems. If a bad batch of fuel is to blame, then the supermarkets must act to reassure customers."

"In the meantime, it would be a good idea for people to hold on to their petrol receipts in case a problem develops. Car warranties do not cover fuel faults."

Notes: Mr Wright reported his problems to Masterfit at Hartwell, Hall Road, Norwich. Masterfit have informed Mr Wright that users of different cars have reported problems and that they have had notice of problems from their head office.

Simon Wright has written to Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons to ask for further investigation into the problems.