Several drivers are facing costly repairs and severe inconvenience after a fuel mix-up at the Tesco Extra petrol station in Walsall, where petrol was allegedly replaced with diesel. One woman, Donna Keenan, was left nearly £400 out of pocket after the incident, which has affected others in the area as well.
What Happened: The Fuel Mix-Up at Tesco Extra
On Friday, October 9, 2025, Donna Keenan, a mother-of-two from Walsall, filled up her car at the Tesco Extra petrol station. But soon after, her vehicle began making unusual noises before it broke down. Keenan, who had used the petrol pump, discovered that she had inadvertently filled her car with diesel.
Despite being certain she had used the right pump, Keenan was told by the garage that her car had been filled with the wrong fuel. This error led to costly repairs totaling £370, which Keenan struggled to cover, borrowing money from friends and family. The supermarket chain has apologized and promised to investigate the situation.
The Impact: Other Drivers Affected by the Mix-Up
Keenan was not the only one affected by the fuel mix-up. Another driver, Jodi Tarbuck, spent £600 on repairs after putting what she thought was petrol into her car, only to find out it was diesel. Tarbuck’s car began to stutter and stall before completely breaking down. Like Keenan, she has been forced to borrow money and is still waiting on Tesco for reimbursement.
James Price, the owner of James Price’s Garage in Walsall, reported handling multiple vehicles affected by the fuel issue. He explained that diesel leaves cars feeling wet and oily, while petrol is typically cold and evaporates quickly. Price noted that the damage from such mix-ups can be significant, particularly if the car has driven a long distance with the wrong fuel.
What Tesco Says: Apology and Investigation
Tesco issued a statement acknowledging the incident and apologizing for the inconvenience caused. The petrol station at their Walsall Extra store has now reopened after a temporary closure. The company advised affected customers to contact their customer service team for assistance. However, many drivers, like Keenan and Tarbuck, are still waiting for resolution.
What To Do if You’ve Filled with the Wrong Fuel
If you suspect you’ve filled your vehicle with the wrong fuel, experts advise you to stop driving immediately and call for vehicle recovery. The longer you drive with the wrong fuel, the more damage it can cause to your car’s engine and catalytic converter.
Closing Line
The fuel mix-up at Tesco’s Walsall Extra petrol station has led to significant costs and distress for multiple drivers. While the supermarket chain has apologized and reopened the station, affected customers are calling for prompt reimbursements and a full investigation. Stay vigilant, and if you’ve been impacted, don’t hesitate to contact the authorities for help.
