A Punjab-origin gas station owner in Ontario, Canada has reported a fuel contamination issue after water was found mixed in petrol at his Esso station affecting several vehicles.
Sukhwinder Kandhola said the problem came to light on the evening of March 23 when customers complained that their cars were not starting after refuelling and he immediately called technicians to check the issue and during inspection it was found that the fuel contained water.
Kandhola said the exact reason behind the contamination is still not known and added that an engineering company is currently investigating how water entered the fuel system. Following the incident the Technical Standards and Safety Authority shut down the gas station temporarily until the issue is fully fixed.
One of the affected customers Lindsay Fitzgerald said her two-year-old Subaru stopped working soon after she filled fuel at the station and a mechanic later found that the fuel tank had more than 50% water although the water was removed and the car did not suffer any lasting damage. According to Kandhola a total of 18 vehicles were impacted and said all affected customers have been contacted and his insurance company will handle their claims.
