A routine stop for gas has turned into a costly nightmare for several Edmonton drivers who say their vehicles were damaged after fueling up at a south Edmonton gas station, with many now alleging contaminated fuel may be to blame.
The complaints centre around the Esso Circle K, where multiple customers say their vehicles began sputtering, shaking or completely shutting down shortly after filling their tanks.
One customer, Dan Brault, said his family’s vehicle started running poorly the same night it was fueled. By the next morning, it would not start at all. After towing it to a dealership, he says technicians found signs suggesting water contamination in the fuel system, including damaged spark plugs. He now faces an estimated repair bill of $3,000.
Another customer, Janelle Doerr, said her SUV broke down within minutes of leaving the station. She described the frightening experience of being stranded in traffic as the vehicle lost power and stopped in the roadway. As a single mother who relies on her car for work and family responsibilities, she says the breakdown has created immediate stress and uncertainty.
Several motorists reportedly shared similar complaints online, prompting wider concern in the local community. For drivers, incidents like this are more than an inconvenience — they can mean towing charges, missed work, repair expenses and days without transportation.
In a statement, Alimentation Couche-Tard said it is aware of a small number of customer concerns and has launched additional checks at the site. The company said fuel quality is regularly monitored and that no confirmed issue with the fuel supply had been identified at the time of its response.
CTV footage from the location reportedly showed at least one pump out of service and a fuel service truck on site, suggesting technical inspections were underway.
Alberta officials say affected consumers may file complaints through provincial consumer protection channels. Drivers are also being advised to contact their insurance providers or seek legal advice if they believe vehicle damage was caused by the incident.
For motorists everywhere, the story is a reminder that even an ordinary fill-up can become expensive when something goes wrong. As investigations continue, affected Edmonton drivers are now waiting for answers — and hoping they are not left paying the price alone.