Melbourne’s dodgy fuel crisis prompts advice from industry body

According to media reports Melbourne is suffering a dodgy fuel crisis. The contaminated petrol could force an engine replacement. The issue has prompted the industry body VACC, in association with Consumer Affairs Victoria, to release a special bulletin which advises motorists, in part, to “retain your proof of purchase, which may be a receipt or card transaction docket, identifying the time and date of purchase of fuel.”

The full release can be read after the jump.

[Pic: urbex]

VACC Statement Regarding Fuel Quality in Melbourne

August 6 2009 – VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, is currently dealing with a number of questions regarding fuel quality in Melbourne.

There have been reports by motorists of engine performance problems that may be related to fuel of questionable quality bought from service stations in Melbourne in the last week.

VACC, in association with Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV), is issuing the following advice to consumers who believe they have purchased faulty or sub-standard fuel:

1. Seek advice as soon as possible from a qualified motor mechanic.
2. Advise the service station where you bought the fuel from that you have a problem.
3. Retain your proof of purchase, which may be a receipt or card transaction docket, identifying the time and date of purchase of fuel.
4. Ask the mechanic to collect a sample of the suspect fuel (approximately 2 litres if possible) and either the mechanic or the consumer should retain this sample until the issue is resolved.
5. Each consumer will have to decide whether to ask the mechanic to fix the problem or wait until the investigation of this matter has concluded.
6. If consumers need their motor vehicle immediately they might chose to request a mechanic to fix the problem and seek compensation from the fuel retailer.
7. Consumers may also contact Consumers Affairs Victoria on 1300 558 181 for further advice.

For further infomation, contact:
Murray Collins
Senior Media Officer
VACC
Telephone: (03) 9829 1118