Some drivers found their cars bogged down with engine problems after using tainted petrol from Shell's Seletar Hills petrol station.

The oil company said it has received feedback from a few customers on the issue and initial investigations have found water in one tank of Fuelsave 85. "We immediately stopped sale of the fuel from the affected tank upon learning of the issue," said its spokesman. "No other tank at the station and no other station is affected." The spokesman added that only a small number of cars were affected as it occurred during off-peak hours on Monday evening.

One driver, who only wanted to be known as Mr Tan, told Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao on Wednesday that his car shook and its engine emitted loud sounds when he was driving back home to Hougang. He had topped up his tank at the station on Monday night. "It seems as if the car was going to explode," said the 46-year-old.

The car broke down the next day when he wanted to send it to a car workshop, he added. He later received a call from a staff of Shell who asked him to send the car for repairs because the petrol "had problems."

The oil company said it is working with affected customers to see if they need any help. "Shell takes fuel quality issues seriously and we are conducting a thorough investigation to prevent a recurrence," said its spokesman. Motorists who require any assistance can contact the Shell Customer Service Hotline at 6265 8892 between 8.30am and 6.30 pm, from Mondays to Fridays.