Contaminated Fuel in Mitzpe Ramon Damages Dozens of Cars

Dozens of drivers who refueled their vehicles at the Menta gas station adjacent to the Beresheet Hotel in Mitzpe Ramon claim that contaminated fuel caused severe damage to their cars. Following the incidents, a group of 27 affected individuals was formed, reporting that their vehicles broke down or required complex garage repairs.

Driver Testimony and Vehicle Breakdowns

Tamar Korkin, one of the victims, told N12 that after refueling, her car began to stutter. "I sent my car to the garage, and the computer shows there is contaminated fuel," Korkin said. "There are 26 other cars like mine that got into this situation at the same gas station. We have all the proof."

Sigalit Ben Hamo, a person with disabilities who relies on a vehicle for medical treatments, also suffered car failure. Ben Hamo explained that her car began emitting smoke and strange noises, describing how the local towing service in Mitzpe Ramon was overwhelmed with requests.

"The engine started to shake and died," Or Kanias said regarding her new car. "At the garage they said the fuel was bad and that there were several other cars in the same condition that refueled in Mitzpe Ramon like me."

Response from Delek Israel

Delek Israel responded: "Immediately upon receiving the complaints on September 8, Delek conducted a fuel test at the station using a certified laboratory, and the results were found to be compliant. On September 14, the Fuel Administration conducted an additional test, the results of which reached us about two days later and indicated a non-compliant finding."

The company added: "Following this, we immediately conducted another sampling at the same laboratory, and this test was also found to be compliant. However, out of responsibility toward our customers, we activated our insurance and will act to repair the vehicles of affected customers if it is found that damage was caused to them."