The Federal Government’s refusal to change its prohibited fuel guidelines, following last year’s fuel contamination that caused catastrophic damage to vehicles, is flawed and leaves motorists unprotected, says RACV and VACC.

In August 2009, a batch of contaminated fuel, delivered to metropolitan Melbourne outlets, affected 130 vehicles which were subsequently classified as repairable write-offs. Immediately after the first reports of a suspect fuel, RACV and VACC jointly sanctioned an independent test that determined the fuel contained silicone oil.

RACV and VACC subsequently called for silicone oil to be included on the Register of Prohibited Fuel Additives. A delayed Federal Government investigation found no evidence of silicone oil and the Federal Government has backed away from adding silicone oil to its Register.

RACV Chief Engineer, Vehicles, Michael Case said the Federal Government’s decision showed blatant disregard for motorists whose cars were damaged by the contaminated fuel.

“Seven months after the fuel contamination crisis, motorists are still in the dark about how this contamination occurred and who is responsible for it,” said Mr Case.

“What is also frustrating is that this Government’s failure to protect motorists by changing its own guidelines leaves motorists in the same vulnerable position, if there is a repeat of the contamination.

“It’s clear the current Government guidelines on contaminated fuels are inadequate and the Government must review its decision to protect motorists,” Mr Case said.

VACC Senior Manager, Government and Public Affairs, David Russell, said the Federal Government’s inaction placed the responsibility for monitoring fuel standards back on the motorist.

“It is an unacceptable outcome and we are calling on the Federal Government and the ACCC to step up and act for consumers,” said Mr Russell.

“Victoria’s Consumer Affairs Department has attempted to clarify the source of this contamination, and provide consumers with support, but this is a matter for the Federal Government to resolve.

“If the Federal Government fails to act because of bureaucratic red tape, Victoria’s motorists will be left to pick up the pieces and hope there is no repeat contamination. It is simply not good enough,” Mr Russell said.

Media contacts:
Jo Robertson, RACV Public Affairs, 0407 910 278
Murray Collins, VACC, Senior Media Officer, 0422 073 394