A GARAGE owner has apologised to customers who were sold the wrong fuel.

At least 60 drivers filled their vehicles with diesel instead of petrol or vice versa after a mix up at Hangleton Esso, in Hangleton Road.

Owner Gunvant Patel has now apologised to his customers.

But motorists who have suffered problems said Mr Patel should have told customers sooner.

Whilst the problem is thought to have started on Monday morning, and some customers told the garage that evening, those using the pumps on Tuesday and Wednesday said they were still sold contaminated fuel.

Mr Patel told The Argus: "My customers are my first priority and I am not forwarding the buck.

"I would want to say sorry for any inconvenience caused.

"The majority of cases that have been reported to us have been resolved."

Alan Johnson, owner of New Leaf Removals, in Hove, said one of his vans was filled with what they thought was diesel on Wednesday - two days after other motorists first reported problems.

Mr Johnson said the van was still being repaired but if it could not be fixed would cost £40,000 to replace.

He added: "We are a small business and we need that van to be back on the road this week.

"Our van was filled up two days after other motorists first thought that their fuel had been contaminated and could mean that there have been many more vehicles affected than first thought."

Sonny Cripps, 19, of Hangleton, filled his petrol Renault Clio with what turned out to be diesel on Tuesday, and is not yet sure of the cost of repairs.

He said: "If people were telling him on Monday I cant believe he still let people fill up."

Emma Jane, of Hove, filled up at the garage and her Skoda Fabia broke down.

She said: "He definitely should have warned people earlier.

"I only found out that the fuel was the problem when my dad, who is a mechanic, rang a parts centre in Hove for fuel injectors that they asked if I'd filled my car up at the Esso garage."

Brighton and Hove Trading Standards has received reports of problems with the fuel at Hangleton Esso.

Anyone affected is urged to call the Citizens Advice Bureau helpline on 03454 040506.

Motorists are urged to make sure they have proof that they bought fuel from the garage - such as a receipt of bank statement showing a credit card transaction - and to make sure any garage performing repairs gives them proof that problems were caused by the wrong fuel.