01.09.2026 08:00
The Court of Cassation has made an important decision closely concerning drivers who suffer damage due to incorrect fuel being put into their vehicles. The High Court, which examined the case of a driver in Izmir whose vehicle sustained 59,000 liras in damage due to incorrect fuel, ruled that not only the fuel station but also the main distributor company is liable for the damage. With this decision, drivers who suffer damage due to incorrect fuel can hold the main distributor responsible along with the dealer.
The 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation issued a noteworthy decision regarding disputes arising from incorrect fuel refueling that drivers may encounter at gas stations.
The basis of the file brought before the Supreme Court was the legal process that began after incorrect fuel was put into a vehicle's tank at a gas station in Izmir.
59 THOUSAND LIRAS OF DAMAGE OCCURRED TO THE VEHICLE
According to the case file, the incident occurred in Izmir in 2022. The driver, whose vehicle was filled with incorrect fuel, resorted to legal means, stating that this caused 59 thousand liras of repair damage to the vehicle.
While the driver won the lawsuit he filed, the main distributor company supplying fuel to the gas station objected to the decision.
LOCAL COURT DID NOT HOLD THE MAIN DISTRIBUTOR RESPONSIBLE
The local court, evaluating the objection, found the main distributor company's request justified. The court ruled that the lawsuit regarding the damage arising from incorrect fuel refueling should be directed not against the main distributor company, but directly against the gas station.
The file was then taken to the 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation by the Ministry of Justice through an appeal in the interest of law.
THE COURT OF CASSATION FOUND THE LOCAL COURT'S DECISION FLAWED
The 3rd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation examined the file in detail. In the decision published in the Official Gazette dated September 1, 2026, it was ruled that the local court's assessment was flawed.
The Court of Cassation, taking into account the legislation on consumer protection, concluded that the station alone cannot be held responsible for the defective service arising from incorrect fuel refueling.
THE MAIN DISTRIBUTOR COMPANY IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE
According to the Supreme Court's decision, the main distributor company, along with the dealer, will also be responsible for the defective service and the damage arising from this service.
The Chamber ruled that there is joint liability for the damage caused by the defective service and overturned the local court's decision.
IMPORTANT DECISION FOR DRIVERS
The decision is significant for consumers who suffer damage due to incorrect fuel being put into their vehicles at gas stations.
According to the Court of Cassation's decision, not only the station where the fuel refueling was carried out, but also the main distributor company supplying fuel to the station can be held responsible for the damage occurring in such situations.