AN investigation is under way today following claims service stations and supermarkets across the region have sold contaminated petrol to motorists.Trading standards officials have launched the probe after reports that ethanol has been added to petrol distributed to Tesco and Morrisons outlets across the south east.

AN investigation is under way today following claims service stations and supermarkets across the region have sold contaminated petrol to motorists.

Trading standards officials have launched the probe after reports that ethanol has been added to petrol distributed to Tesco and Morrisons outlets across the south east.

This has led to problems with car's petrol sensors - and is believed to have affected scores of drivers.

Peter Collins, of Jervis Close, Holbrook, said he is facing a £300 mechanics bill for repairs to his Renault Laguna, which is not covered by his warranty.

He said: “I should have been covered by the warranty but Renault is saying because it's contaminated fuel that has caused the problem, the warranty is invalid.

“After I filled up with petrol I noticed I was losing power. It picked up again when I put my foot right down. I had to drive flat out to keep it running. It's a big problem and I could see someone having a serious accident soon because of it.”

Ian Hillier, a petroleum spokesman for the Trading Standards Institute, said: “I understand that there have been around 75 to 100 complaints from people in south east England.

“Including ethanol in petrol is not really contaminating it, but there has to be a clear warning to people who buy petrol as to exactly what is in it.

“Ethanol is actually seen as a green measure but if it is sold without any warning then offenders are in breach of biofuel labelling regulations.”

If you have purchased contaminated petrol, call the EADT newsdesk on 01473 324733 or e-mail news@eadt.co.uk