An independent forecourt operator in Scotland has confirmed super unleaded it sold last month was contaminated, but claims the issue rests with the supplying terminal – which has in turn denied any issue.
On 20 April a spokesperson for Burnpark Services said they had been made aware that customers were reporting their cars had lost power or broken down after drawing super unleaded at the site, which sits on the outskirts of Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.
At the time, the operator said they had ruled water out as a contaminant and were engaging with Trading Standards officers to carry out an analysis of the fuel.
The Glasgow Times reports that as many as 15 other forecourts in Scotland are affected by the issue, while in a social-media post seen by the paper before it was seemingly deleted, a spokesperson for Burnpark wrote:
“Following reports from customers regarding issues with super unleaded fuel supplied last month, we can now confirm that test results have shown there was contamination present in the fuel.
“We would like to reassure customers that the contamination did not occur at Burnpark Service Station.
“It is believed the source of the contamination originated from the fuel terminal supplying the product.”
Petroineos’ Grangemouth facility, which acts as an import and distribution terminal following the end of refining operations last year, is understood to be the source of Burnpark’s fuel.
Forecourt Trader asked Petroineos whether it could confirm fuel from Grangemouth had been contaminated and, if so, what the nature of this contamination was.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “An internal investigation and subsequent external inspection confirmed no presence of water through the Grangemouth supply chain – this included SUMS tank, dedicated lines, ethanol tank and road loading arms”.
Petroineos has been asked if any contaminant other than water was detected, but the company has yet to respond.
Burnpark services, meanwhile, says its super-unleaded tank will be drained and cleaned, adding: “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while this matter is being resolved.”
