Stirling supermarket denies contaminated fuel claim over van breakdown

Stirling Supermarket Rejects Contaminated Fuel Allegations Leading to Van Breakdown

A Stirling supermarket has dismissed allegations made by a businesswoman from Fallin, claiming that her work van was filled with contaminated fuel earlier this year. Naomi Lennox, 28, who operates as a dog walker, bought a Vauxhall Vivaro in March 2023 and regularly filled up at the garage located at the Sainsbury’s store on Drip Road. However, following a refuelling stop in April, the van broke down, experiencing a complete fuel system failure. A mechanic’s inspection attributed the issue to the quality of the fuel inside the vehicle.

The damage inflicted on the van compelled Naomi to seek a replacement vehicle to continue her business operations. She has urged the supermarket to take responsibility for the incident, despite subsequent fuel tests showing no contamination. Naomi explains, “Initially, I thought it was just one injector that was malfunctioning, but it turned out that all four injectors were affected, along with other parts of the fuel system. The fuel seemed to be of very poor quality.”

The financial impact of the damage has been significant for Naomi, costing her thousands of pounds in van depreciation and rental expenses for a replacement vehicle. Her complaints to Sainsbury’s went unaddressed, with the supermarket claiming no prior similar complaints regarding fuel quality issues. In response to queries from the Observer, a Sainsbury’s spokesperson stated that a comprehensive investigation at the garage found no evidence of fuel contamination.

Naomi remains convinced that others may have faced similar issues and is sharing her story to raise awareness. Despite the clean fuel test results post-incident, she believes more attention needs to be given to such cases. Sainsbury’s assured Naomi of ongoing measures to prevent fuel contamination, including continuous monitoring and alerts on-site.

In conclusion, the incident highlights the challenges faced by consumers when dealing with fuel quality issues and the importance of businesses taking accountability for potential mishaps.

Insights:
The article sheds light on the ordeal faced by Naomi Lennox, underscoring the financial strain and disruption to her business caused by the alleged contaminated fuel. It emphasises the need for clarity and responsibility from businesses in resolving such grievances promptly. Consumers must remain vigilant and vocal about their concerns to safeguard against potential financial losses and ensure accountability within the supply chain. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the significance of quality control in the fuel industry and the necessity of responsive customer service to address service-related complaints efficiently.