A fuel mix-up at the E.Leclerc gas station in Loroux-Bottereau near Nantes has caused chaos among motorists, leading to multiple vehicle breakdowns. On Tuesday, December 17, customers who intended to fill up with diesel unknowingly pumped petrol (SP95 E10) instead, and vice versa, due to improper labeling during fuel delivery.
The incident occurred around 1:20 PM, shortly after the delivery commenced. According to Stéphanie Guitteny, spokesperson for Petro Ouest E. Leclerc, the confusion stemmed from the fuel transporter's error as they mistakenly reversed the labels on the tanks. For approximately one hour, dozens of customers filled their vehicles with the wrong type of fuel, resulting in immediate and noticeable issues as engines sputtered and stalled.
By 3:30 PM, following numerous distress calls from stranded clients, the management decided to halt sales, but by then, many vehicles had already suffered damage. Reports flooded across social media platforms from individuals who had encountered problems post-refueling, with one user lamenting, “My partner filled up at noon and now the car is broken down.” Another added, “My wife’s vehicle is at the garage after she filled up with E10.”
The technical hiccup, which the company attributed to human error, has left many drivers concerned not only about the immediate breakdowns but also about potential repair costs. “It’s definitely not something to take lightly,” shared Groupama, pointing out the risks involved with fueling errors, particularly the severe consequences of putting petrol in a diesel engine.
Management acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as “an incident we regret.” They urged affected customers to report their experiences via email to receive appropriate compensation. “Customers who have suffered damages will certainly be taken care of,” they promised, as several claim requests were already underway at the company’s service department.
While many motorists faced breakdowns just minutes after filling up, the station was being rapidly restored to normal operation. The compatible fuel (SP 98) remained available during the incident, and contaminated tanks were scheduled for cleanup, with complete resumption expected by the following morning.
Previous occurrences of fuel mix-ups have prompted discussions on the need for improved quality control and communication protocols. For example, almost exactly one year prior, another petrol station had faced similar issues leading to breakdowns, echoing calls for services to properly double-check fuel deliveries.
“This is not the first time such errors have happened,” said Guitteny, indicating their commitment to preventing future occurrences by revisiting operational protocols with their transport partners.
For now, customers left grappling with the aftermath of the mix-up could appreciate the management's efforts to turn the situation around, albeit still dealing with the inconvenience of repairs and breakdowns on the road. “We have to be transparent and responsive to regain drivers' trust,” the management concluded, emphasizing their commitment to customer care and service.
