'Contaminated' fuel warning as drivers £7k out of pocket after engines wrecked

Motorists are being urged to take extra care after reports of contaminated diesel at a UK supermarket left drivers facing repair bills of up to £7,000. Several cars and vans broke down after filling up with premium diesel at a Morrisons petrol station in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Roadside recovery teams described the affected fuel as "milky white", with mechanics confirming it destroyed engines beyond repair.

Gordon Wallis, fuel expert at Interfuels, warned the consequences for drivers could be severe.

He said: "Contaminated fuel can be catastrophic for modern engines. Diesel systems in particular are highly sensitive - even small amounts of water, chemicals, or sediment can cause corrosion, clog injectors and lead to complete engine failure."

He explained the substance points to a water or chemical mix that should never be in a diesel tank.

"In some cases, contaminated loads can enter the supply chain, or storage tanks at forecourts may not have been properly maintained. Either way, the responsibility lies with suppliers to ensure quality control," Mr Wallis added.

Incidents were first reported as far back as December 2024, with a fresh wave in August 2025, leaving some drivers accusing the supplier of negligence.

"If reports are correct, and this problem has recurred over months, then it's not just a one-off accident," Mr Wallis said.

He added: "Motorists who rely on their vehicles for work have every right to feel angry. The financial and safety implications are enormous."

Fuel Drainage Scotland confirmed it had attended multiple breakdowns in the Fife area linked to suspected contaminated diesel from the Kirkcaldy pump, though no similar issues have been reported elsewhere.

Mr Wallis said: "While this case seems localised, drivers should remain vigilant. If your car suddenly loses power after filling up, stop immediately and seek professional help - do not keep driving. Keep your receipt and, if possible, retain a sample of the fuel. This will be vital if you need to pursue compensation."

The pump at the affected supermarket has since been taken out of service.