CONSUMER group CHOICE is reminding consumers to always ask for a receipt when purchasing petrol following a spate of contaminated fuel incidents that have left a number of consumers tens-of-thousands of dollars out of pocket.
“We have been contacted by a number of consumers locked in disputes with petrol stations over bills ranging from $500 up to $21,000 to repair their cars having pumped dirty fuel, says CHOICE head of media Tom Godfrey.
“When we raised the issue with the NRMA they confirmed four petrol stations in NSW alone have sold dirty fuel in the last 18 months.
“Fixing these problems might be as simple as replacing a fuel filter but in the more serious cases your fuel system might need replacing, which can take weeks and leave you significantly out of pocket.
“Unfortunately you can’t tell at the pump if the fuel is contaminated. It’s only when you’ve left the service station and your car starts stalling, misfiring, pinging or backfiring that you know something is up."
Mr Godfrey says that under the Australian Consumer Law, you have the right to a refund if the petrol you buy doesn’t do what it should do, and you may also be able to claim compensation for any damage the contaminated fuel causes your car.
“Such a simple thing as asking for a receipt when filling up could save you tens-of-thousands of dollars if something goes wrong at the petrol station and you end up with water in your fuel tank,”
“If something goes wrong and you can’t provide proof of purchase, a petrol station can try to evade liability. We’ve even heard cases of credit card statements being rejected so for extra assurance ask for an itemised receipt and record the bowser number.
“If you’re worried about losing paper receipts, you can download the ACCC Shopper app for your phone for an easier way to store your receipts digitally.
He also warned that assuming you’re covered under your comprenensive car insurance could also be a trap as some insurance companies will not cover damagef rom contaminated fuel.
To protect against contaminated fuel:
- Always ask for an itemised receipt
- Take note of the bowser number
- Ensure your car insurance policy covers you
“When something goes wrong, the key to holding the service station to account is ensuring you have an itemised record of the purchase,” says Mr Godfrey.
CHOICE’s full investigation into tainted fuel can be found here: choice.com.au/dirtyfuel.
