Tesco fuel pumps contaminated

Tesco filling station unleaded and diesel pumps 'out of use'

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Dozens of motorists who filled up at the Tesco superstore (Silk Street) filling station this morning have reported serious problems with their vehicles. As a result of the complaints Tesco shut down unleaded and diesel pumps this morning and they remain out of use this evening (Thursday 13 August).

Craig McAteer, Chief Executive of Link4Life is one of the affected motorists, he said: “I filled up this morning and I was one of around a dozen whose cars did not get very far. I made it to the council office and now my car won’t start.”

Mr McAteer was referred to Tesco head office when he complained to the Rochdale store. On calling Tesco head office, Mr McAteer said: “Tesco refuse to admit anything.”

Filling station staff were heard on the phone this morning explaining the complaints, details included angry customers whose vehicles were breaking down on roads and motorways and a motorcyclist only made it round the corner from Tesco before his motorbike broke down.

Garage and AA reports on vehicles affected after filling with Tesco unleaded petrol suggest tanks contaminated with water, diesel and silicone.

This evening workers from Eurotank Environmental, tank cleaning specialists, are on site with equipment. Asked if they were cleaning the tanks, they answered “no”.  Asked if their presence was anything to do with motorists tanks being contaminated by Tesco fuel they said “no.”

Tesco duty store manager Donna Wilson refused to comment and referred our enquiries to the Tesco press office. At the time of publication our enquiry has yet to be answered.

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Update 8.38pm:

Adam Fisher of Tesco press office has confirmed there is a problem with fuel tanks at Tesco Rochdale and pumps have been closed as a result. He said: "It is a local issue, there is no reason to suspect it is any wider, it affects just one store at Rochdale.

"We apologise to the owners of vehicles affected and will be helping them to submit claims to our insurers."

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