Shell Canada has been compensating thousands of motorists for repair costs after their fuel gauges were damaged because of an additive in the company’s petrol, writes Monica Dobie.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Most of the complaints have come from customers and dealerships from the Quebec and Alberta regions.


The additive has resulted in a layer of sludge that forms over the sensor that reads the fuel level in the petrol tank. This causes the needles on the petrol gauge to randomly swing back and forth and also for the fuel light to indicate empty even if the tank is full.


In a statement, Shell said: “The frequency of fuel system issues has (now) subsided.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now