An urgent warning has been issued to drivers as contaminated fuel from a major BP petrol station has reportedly caused significant damage to vehicles and sparked breakdowns across Rayleigh, Essex.
Issues at the garage on London Road were first reported on January 6, 2025, when customers filling up their tanks began experiencing vehicle malfunctions soon after leaving the station. Following these initial reports, the garage was swiftly closed on January 7 to allow for thorough investigations.
BP has acknowledged the situation, citing potential contamination of one of their fuel tanks. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We are taking steps to assess the potential impact and determine the number of people who may be affected. Any customers with concerns should contact our careline for support at [email protected].”
Local fuel expert, Lee Pretlove, head of FuelOut, has reported an overwhelming response to the chaos, confirming his services have been inundated with calls from affected motorists. “There’s quite a lot of cars affected. There are 40 we’ve dealt with and more coming in,” Pretlove told BBC Essex. His company has dealt with over 40 incidents by the end of the week, with speculation indicating as many as 100 cars may have been impacted.
The contamination issue appears to stem from water mixing with the petrol, causing various malfunctions. Drivers have reported experiencing significant problems, including engine misfires and reduced power efficiency. “One customer had five of his vans break down the same day due to the contaminated fuel, which understandably left him upset.”
Following the immediate closing of the garage, BP conducted investigations and isolated the affected fuel pump. It then reopened the garage on January 8, but affected motorists are still urged to seek professional help immediately if they suspect their vehicles were impacted.
Pretlove warned motorists about the possible financial repercussions, stating, “It is reversible, and it is a case of draining them out. A lot of these cars will need new spark plugs as this is damaging certain plugs and fuel filters.” There are concerns about hefty repair bills for drivers who are unaware of the damage incurred.
Experts recommend drivers take precautionary measures by having their tanks drained and systems flushed with fresh fuel. Common indicators of contaminated fuel include erratic engine performance, fluctuated speeds, and visible abnormalities such as cloudiness or discoloration of the fuel itself.
To highlight the seriousness, the AA and RAC have also been called out to help motorists affected by the breakdown surge. BP’s incident serves as a troubling reminder of how easily contaminated fuel can disrupt the lives of many.
This incident at the BP garage poses significant risks and challenges for drivers, with local authorities closely monitoring the situation. Affected motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant and seek assistance if they suspect contamination. BP aims to resolve the situation swiftly and assures thorough investigation and remedial action.
The repercussions of the contamination could have far-reaching effects on consumers, including not only the stress of managing vehicle issues but also the financial burden associated with repairs. For now, drivers are left waiting for BP to finalize their investigations and provide additional clarity on the steps being taken to rectify the situation.