Always problems when refueling: the high fuel prices have been causing motorists to break out a sweat at the pump for some time now. In this case, however, contaminated fuel was the cause of the problems – and the fact that the vehicle came to a halt in the middle of the road after only 600 metres.
Ines R. (39) from Linz was very angry after refueling on Wednesday evening – and the high fuel prices were not to blame.
At the SOCAR filling station on Landwiedstraße in Linz, she tapped off the premium petrol suitable for her Fiat 500. But when she drove off, she only got 600 meters before her car came to a stop.
gasoline contaminated
She was also surprised when the workshop later informed her that her tank contained heavily contaminated fuel. It is still unclear when she will get her vehicle back. Until then, she will have to arrange her commute and pick up her 11-year-old daughter differently. “I’m upset, the car is only two years old and was my first new car,” says Ines R.
cause unclear
The gas pump was closed that same evening, but by the time the local “Krone” inspection was over on Friday, it was already running again. Oliver Krammer, general manager of SOCAR Austria, said when asked that the tank had been emptied, cleaned and refilled in the meantime. It is currently unclear how the gasoline was contaminated. A sample was taken and sent to a laboratory.
trouble remains
Five other drivers have come forward so far, who must now prove that the contaminated fuel is the cause of their vehicles’ failure. “The repair costs will then be reimbursed by our insurance company and those affected will also receive a fuel voucher,” says Krammer. Ines R. sticks to her anger.
Lots of “false tankers”
It happens much more often that people reach for the “wrong” fuel at the gas station. “In 2022, our technicians in Upper Austria will have pumped out 1,402 cars,” says Andreas Schwarzbauer, base manager at the ÖAMTC in Wankmüllerhofstrasse in Linz.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
