A MAJOR supermarket chain has promised to pay for repairs to cars damaged by a batch of contaminated fuel.

Tesco has printed full-page apologies in several newspapers explaining its south east stores have been refuelled from a clean supply.

The advert also says: "More to the point, we'd like to pay for repairs."

An investigation was launced by trading standards officials last month after motorists complained they had been sold faulty petrol.

Thousands of motorists are believed to have been affected by the dodgy batch, thought to have been bought at Tescos and Morrisons stores.

Initial tests are thought to have confirmed silicon had been found in the fuel, causing vehicles to splutter, backfire or cut-out..

It is believed the prescence of silicon could indicate the presence of silicone, which is used as an anti-foaming agent in diesel.

The contaminated fuel was eventually traced back to a storage facility in Essex.

Tesco emptied its unleaded tanks at 150 outlets in the south east, while Morrisons removed unleaded petrol from 41 stores across the region as a precaution.

To contact Tesco for further advice and information, call 0800 028 6428.