I filled up with 42 litres of Shell V-Power last Wednesday afternoon. The car initially continued to run well but by Thursday evening, after about 45 miles, it was running badly. On Friday I took it in to a FIAT garage, which initially reported fuel contamination, and quoted £600 for necessary replacement parts. I hope to have it back Monday or Tuesday, when with labour costs I shall have a bill probably approaching £1,000. Evidently there was something in the fuel, which, although not immediately affecting performance, caused progressive damage to the fuel system. I made a report to the local Trading Standards Office, who indicated how to claim for consequential loss. But I think the matter goes beyond this. I will write to Shell UK asking them to refund my fuel and garage costs, but I also feel entitled to compensation for the inconvenience and disruption to my activities. I therefore consider going through a solicitor, in which case compensation would be needed for legal costs as well. Meanwhile there are probably other customers of this garage getting the same problem. Harmless contamination which causes misfiring is one thing, but corrosive contamination is another, and should constitute an offence. How can such a thing happen? The garage asked what fuel – Shell V-Power; diesel by mistake – no; what previous fill-up – BP Ultimate; what regular petrol – Shell V-Power. The car is a FIAT Ponto GT.