A practical guide for consumers, fleets and businesses responding to suspected contaminated or off-specification fuel.
This guide provides general information only. It does not replace technical testing, professional advice, safety procedures or regulatory requirements.
First priority: protect people and equipment
If continued operation may create a safety risk or additional damage, stop use where it is safe and practical. Do not create additional hazards while trying to investigate.
Record the facts
- Date and time of purchase or delivery.
- Supplier, service station, depot or delivery details.
- Receipt, invoice and transaction information.
- Vehicle, equipment or storage tank details.
- Symptoms, observations and relevant maintenance history.
Preserve information
Keep receipts, delivery documents, photographs and communications. Do not alter original records. Record who handled information and when.
Evidence preservation checklist →
Testing and verification
Symptoms alone do not prove fuel adulteration or contamination. Appropriate sampling and testing may be required depending on the circumstances.
Supplier and transaction review
Where the issue involves a supplier, review the entity, licence information, source and delivery trail. Independent verification may help establish facts.
Petroleum supplier verification →
Report suspected misconduct
If you believe the issue involves deliberate adulteration, fraud, illegal trading or other misconduct, submit information through Report Fuel’s secure reporting channel.