Drivers in Coleraine, County Londonderry, are being urged to check their cars after Asda closed several pumps at its Ring Road filling station. A number of motorists reported engine trouble and breakdowns soon after filling up. Asda has apologised and says an “incident” may have affected some fuel bought between Sunday 25 and Thursday 29 October 2026.
Quick answer: If you bought fuel at Asda Coleraine between 25 and 29 October and your car has since spluttered, struggled to accelerate or broken down, stop driving it if it’s safe to do so, keep your receipt and contact Asda. Asda calls it an “isolated incident” limited to the Coleraine site. Most pumps have reopened. The cause and any compensation have not yet been confirmed.
What happened
Several drivers began reporting problems after filling up at the Asda forecourt on Coleraine’s Ring Road. Asda took some pumps out of service and opened an investigation. In a statement it said an “incident” at the site “may have affected some fuel purchases” between 25 and 29 October. It stressed that not all fuel bought in that window is affected and that the problem is limited to Coleraine, not other Asda filling stations in Northern Ireland.
“We’re very sorry for the disruption caused,” Asda said, adding that it had “safely reopened the majority of pumps”. The remaining pumps stay closed while the issue is resolved.
Key facts
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Location | Asda filling station, Ring Road, Coleraine |
| Affected dates | Sunday 25 to Thursday 29 October 2026 |
| Other Asda sites affected? | No, Asda says it’s isolated to Coleraine |
| Pumps | Most reopened; some still closed |
| Cause | Not yet made public |
| Compensation | Not yet announced |
| What Asda asks | Contact Asda if your vehicle had problems after buying fuel in that window |
What drivers have reported
Motorists described cars that began to “chug along and struggle to accelerate” before breaking down. One driver’s car would not start the morning after filling up. Others said their engine sounded strange or was “jumping” while driving.
- One driver said her car has been stuck in a paid car park in Coleraine for days and that removing the fuel could cost more than £500.
- Another couple say they’ve spent about £1,000 on mechanic bills, and a family member’s car also broke down after filling up at the same site.
- A Belfast motorist on holiday on the north coast broke down in Portstewart shortly after filling up. His car was towed home and repairs cost about £225.
East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden said she had received messages from several constituents and that the reports appear to show a pattern. She has written to Asda asking how customers can raise concerns and what support is available for repair or recovery costs if a link to the fuel is confirmed.
What to do if you’re affected
- Check the date. Did you buy fuel at Asda Coleraine between 25 and 29 October?
- Watch for symptoms. Juddering, loss of power, misfiring, warning lights, rough idling or difficulty starting.
- Stop driving if it’s safe. Running a car on contaminated fuel can turn a fuel-drain job into an expensive engine or fuel-system repair.
- Keep evidence. Fuel receipt, bank statement, photos, mechanic’s report and any recovery or parking bills.
- Contact Asda. Asda has asked affected customers to get in touch. Do it in writing if you can, so you have a record.
- Tell your insurer. Some policies cover misfuelling or contaminated fuel. Check before paying for big repairs yourself.
Your rights in the UK
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods you buy, fuel included, must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. If fuel is found to be contaminated, the retailer may be responsible for the losses that result, such as fuel draining, repairs and recovery. Keep all receipts. If you can’t reach an agreement, you can get advice from Consumerline in Northern Ireland or Citizens Advice.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to an adviser or your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Which Asda petrol station is affected?
Only the Asda filling station on the Ring Road in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, according to Asda.
Which dates are affected?
Fuel bought between Sunday 25 and Thursday 29 October 2026, though Asda says not every purchase in that window is affected.
Has Asda said what went wrong?
Not yet. It has described it as an isolated “incident” and is investigating.
Will Asda pay for repairs?
Asda hasn’t announced a compensation scheme yet. Contact Asda with your evidence and keep a record of all costs.
Is it safe to fill up there now?
Asda says it has safely reopened most pumps after investigating. Some remain closed.
Sources: BBC News NI (via Yahoo News), The Irish News, Coleraine Now.
