Murrumbateman motorist John Fleming said he believed 20 cars have had to be towed because of suspected fuel damage after filling up at the station.

He suspected diesel and unleaded fuel tanks had been mixed up.

Tanya Olinder said she filled her vehicle from the diesel tank on Wednesday and her car started making “funny noises” within five minutes.

“I took it to the servo and found that it was full of unleaded [fuel]. Since my car cannot be siphoned I have to get the tank dropped out and drained - not good!” she posted on the Tribune’s Facebook site.

The station owner declined to comment for the paper, although he did offer an explanation.

Caltex media did not wish comment as the Murrumbateman station was run independently.

They understood water from recent heavy rain may have leaked into the station’s tanks.