SUPERMARKET giant Tesco said tonight it was carrying out further tests on its fuel after hundreds of people claimed to have bought contaminated fuel from supermarket forecourts.

By Danielle Nuttall

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco said tonight it was carrying out further tests on its fuel after hundreds of people claimed to have bought contaminated fuel from supermarket forecourts.

In a statement issued tonight, the supermarket said if a problem was identified, it would act quickly to “put it right”.

“We are continuing to conduct a range of tests using independent laboratories to establish what might be causing the mechanical problems experienced by some customers in the South East of England. So far we have not found any reason for these problems,” the statement said.

“However, following advice from industry experts, we have now started testing for silicone and other possible contaminants.

“We are also checking the levels at which any contaminant would start to cause engine problems. We hope to have results back soon and will of course share these with the other supermarkets and petrol retailers who are affected.

“In the meantime we have set up a customer hotline for any Tesco customers who have experienced a problem. This freephone number is 0800 028 6428.

“We appreciate the inconvenience this is causing some customers and can assure them that if a problem with our fuel is confirmed we will do the right thing and act quickly to put it right.”