An In the Cove reader alerted us to an issue with the petrol pumps at Ampol North Ryde on the corner of Wicks Road and Epping Road North Ryde.
During the week commencing 19th November 2023, 98 unleaded fuel tanks were filled by the fuel distributor with diesel, not petrol. Unsuspecting motorists were using a 98 Feul Bowser but filling their tanks with diesel.
This is a popular petrol station for Lane Cove residents who may have been shopping at the Macquarie Centre, working in Macquarie Park or attending Macquarie University.
Ampol’s Admission
A spokesperson for Ampol told ITC the following:
“We are aware of a fuel issue at our North Ryde site last week, which affected a number of our customers who refuelled at our 98-unleaded fuel pumps. The impacted fuel pumps were immediately taken out of service once the issue was known.
If you believe you have been impacted, please contact our customer service team on 1800 240 398 or email us at [email protected].
We apologise to anyone affected.”
What Happens if You Fill a Petrol Car with Diesel?
Filling a petrol car with diesel fuel can lead to various problems.
The extent of the problem depends on the engine type, the amount of incorrect fuel added, and whether the problem is identified and fixed before starting the engine.
In most cases where a car is incorrectly filled with diesel, it is a driver issue, and they will find out when they go to pay (as they will be charged diesel prices) and hopefully don’t start the car. In this instance, motorists had no idea that the incorrect fuel had been pumped into their petrol tank.
What Do You Do If Diesel is Pumped into a Petrol Tank?
The NRMA recommends the following:
“If you have the good fortune to realise your mistake before you leave the service station forecourt, don’t try to start the vehicle, as this will circulate contaminating fuel through the system. The best-case scenario will involve a call to NRMA roadside assistance and a tow to a mechanic to drain the tank, fit new filters, and refill the tank.
If you try to drive the vehicle, however, it could result in several thousand dollars of repairs to its fuel system and time off the road. If you started your car and drove away before you realised your mistake, stop somewhere safe as soon as you can and switch the engine off to minimise damage.
Attempting to siphon the fuel out of the tank is not recommended – you won’t be able to remove all of the fuel from the tank and could be putting your safety or the environment at risk.”
Fuel Contamination Issues In North Shore
ITC is aware of potential fuel contamination issues in North Shore petrol stations. Fuel contamination is caused by microorganisms that enter fuel from the surrounding atmosphere. This happens now and again. However, this is the first time we have been advised of incorrect fuel being pumped into the wrong tank by the fuel distributor.
Ampol North Ryde
Work is currently underway at Ampol North Ryde, which means draining the pumps, removing the diesel from the site, and returning to the refineries for rerefining the product.
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