Sainsbury's investigates complaints about diesel at petrol station in Broomfield, Herne Bay
00:01, 12 February 2019
Sainsbury's says tests have shown no sign of contamination in fuel at its petrol station in Herne Bay.
The supermarket giant launched an investigation following a number of complaints from concerned motorists who had filled up with diesel on the forecourt in Broomfield.
Many claimed to have experienced problems with their cars, but Sainsbury's says analysis has revealed no issue with the fuel.
Among those to have made an official complaint is Len Clark, 73, who says his wife's eight-year-old Ford Focus broke down twice after it was filled with £50 worth of diesel on Friday, January 18.
“The next day it broke down while my wife was travelling to Ashford,” he said.
“Switching it on and off seemed to restore the power, but it broke down again the next day when we were travelling to Margate.
“They drained the system out and replaced the fuel filter - that cost £180.”
The mechanics told Mr Clark the car had an issue with the fuel pressure, but were unable to test the diesel.
A number of other motorists have raised concerns.
Charlotte Godden and June Thomas wrote on Herne Bay Chatter that their cars were running "very sluggishly" after visiting the petrol station.
Victoria Stenning said an engine management light appeared on her dashboard after filling up her car before breaking down on the Thanet Way.
“It has no power when trying to accelerate,” she wrote.
"We're investigating a small number of complaints... however, the diesel has been tested and no evidence of contamination has been found" - Sainsbury's
“I've been advised it needs a new pump. It’s not very old. Seems very coincidental after I was told about these posts.
“I’ve never ever had problems before. It started being sluggish but didn’t think much of it, thought it was just cold.”
A spokesman for Sainsbury's says an investigation is being carried out, but that no evidence of contamination in the diesel has been found.
He added: “We’re investigating a small number of complaints.
"However, the diesel has been tested and no evidence of contamination has been found."
