Questionable Quality Issues Surface in Italian Spirits Industry
In recent times, there have been several incidents reported across Europe, where vehicles have been found with contaminated fuel after refueling at gas stations near me. These incidents, which have involved sand and water, have sparked concerns about the quality of fuel supplies and the maintenance practices at gas stations.
In one such incident, a vacationer in the Abruzzo region of Italy found sand in the tank of his VW Tiguan after refueling at a small gas station near me. The repair of the entire fuel system, including the tank, cost approximately 4,800 euros. Operators and those affected have differing views on who will cover the damage in this case.
The Italian ambassador to Switzerland dismissed the impression of systematic fraud, stating that cases of fraud are extremely rare. However, maintenance deficiencies or contamination along the supply chain are being considered as possible causes for the observed incidents.
In another incident, a 36-year-old Swiss man refueled diesel at the Esso rest area Fratta Sud in Portogruaro, Italy, on September 11, 2025. He noticed a warning signal and significant loss of performance shortly after. A mechanic, after the initial inspection, told '20 Minutes': 'You got dirty diesel.'
Esso Italia referred the inquiry to the third-party company operating the gas station, Salvetti Rete GmbH. Salvetti Rete GmbH emphasized strict quality controls and a special insurance, but saw no error on their part regarding the reported incident. Without secure technical evidence of contamination and attribution to a specific pump, enforcing claims remains challenging.
Expert Raphael Hunziker from the tank inspection company Voegtlin-Meyer explained that sludge can form at the bottom of diesel tanks over time and contaminate the fuel if the tank is not cleaned regularly. This could potentially explain the incidents observed.
The editorial team of the news portal tried to reach the gas station operated by Sarni Oil, but the number listed on Google was invalid, and the company did not respond to a written inquiry.
In an attempt to address these concerns, the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) conducted a test at 202 gas stations in several countries. The water content of all samples was found to be below the prescribed norm. The TCS also refers to measurement data in supporting their claim that maintenance issues, rather than fire, are more likely the cause of the observed incidents.
Despite these assurances, the incidents have raised questions about the quality assurance at gas stations near me. The affected vacationer in the Abruzzo incident stated: 'I usually avoid such places, but I didn't want to risk getting stranded.'
As the investigations continue, it is crucial for gas stations near me to ensure stringent maintenance practices and regular checks to prevent such incidents in the future. The public's trust in the fuel supply system is at stake, and maintaining this trust is essential for the smooth operation of our societies.
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