Viva Energy Australia ("Viva Energy") today assured the Dampier community that unleaded petrol (ULP) and premium unleaded petrol (PULP) will be reinstated at the Dampier Shell Coles Express site in April, 2016.
Viva Energy Media Manager, Jessica Marriner, apologised for the extended suspension of ULP fuel sales and explained it was due to the company having to investigate a number of options to fix the issue.
"We’ve never had this happen before and investigations discovered that fuel was evaporating in the dispensing pipeline due the position of the underground storage tanks, combined with the type of bowser,” Jessica said.
"As we’re committed to keeping ULP and PULP on this site we will be replacing parts of the fuel dispensing system and installing new bowsers,” she said.
"Our maintenance contractors hope to be in a position to start the job shortly. Given the underground work required it could take up to two months to complete.
“In recognition of any inconvenience that may have been caused, Viva Energy is distributing vouchers to Dampier households next week providing 8cents per litre off unleaded fuel. The vouchers can be redeemed at any Coles Express service station, in conjunction with the standard Coles 4cpl discount voucher. The closest Coles Express for Dampier residents is in Karratha.
“We apologise to the community for the delay and look forward to reinstating unleaded fuel back to the Dampier site.”
Viva Energy was launched following the purchase of the Shell Australia downstream business (excluding Aviation). It comprises the Geelong refinery, a 900+ site-retail network and a bulk fuels, bitumen, marine, chemicals and lubricants business supported by more than 20 terminals across the country. Viva Energy is the exclusive licensee to the Shell brand in Australia.