On December 17, customers at the Leclerc gas station in Loroux-Bottereau, near Nantes, faced unexpected vehicle breakdowns shortly after refueling, leading to confusion and concern. Reports indicate several motorists filled their tanks only to experience mechanical issues just minutes later.
The incident stemmed from the delivery of fuel where the delivery personnel mistakenly swapped diesel fuel with SP95-E10, contaminately the fuel dispensed at the pumps between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM. This mix-up was significant—drivers who believed they were filling up with the right fuel soon found themselves stranded on the roadside due to engine failures.
Social media platforms buzzed with raw accounts from affected customers describing their unfortunate experiences. One driver recounted their vehicle stalling just three kilometers after filling up, sharing their frustration and disbelief at the turn of events.
After receiving numerous phone calls from concerned customers, Leclerc staff acted swiftly, halting any fuel distribution when the first reports of issues started to trickle in. "During the delivery of fuel, the transport worker unfortunately mixed up the diesel and the SP95 E10 fuel types, causing breakdowns for several vehicles of our customers," confirmed the after-sales service of Leclerc.
Many customers expressed their dismay online, relaying tales of sputtering engines and halted journeys. "I fell victim ten minutes later after fueling up—it was unbelievable!" said one disgruntled driver.
Leclerc was quick to address the issue, assuring customers affected by the mix-up would be compensated. "Reports are already under review with our customer service team,” stated Leclerc representatives, as they assured clients their grievances were taken seriously.
The management expressed regret over the incident. "This is one we deeply regret and are addressing immediately," they stated, urging those affected to submit their claims via email to expedite compensation.
Experts indicate such fuel mix-ups, though rare, are not unprecedented. Previous instances include several locations where contaminated fuel resulted from operational mishaps, affecting numerous drivers. The risk of using improper fuel can lead to catastrophic engine failures, necessitating expensive repairs or even complete vehicle replacements.
For those who find themselves with the wrong type of fuel, experts advise not to start the engine as it could exacerbate engine issues. Prompt notification of the service station is also recommended to mitigate damage and allow for rapid response by the station management.
Fortunately, after cleaning the tanks and ensuring the delivery process had corrected, the Leclerc station returned to full operations by December 19. Customers were able to refuel with confidence once more as safeguards and reviews were implemented to prevent such errors from recurring.
This unusual but enlightening experience serves as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution and verify the type of fuel they are using before refueling. Awareness is key to preventing such unfortunate incidents from becoming commonplace.
Overall, this incident highlights the importance of quality control and thorough checks during fuel deliveries, ensuring customers can depend on their local stations without the fear of costly errors.
