Low-quality gasoline disabled a new Toyota: what the court decided

The Magistrate's Court in Netanya ordered Ramatop, the operator of a Paz gas station in Bat Yam, to pay approximately 26,000 shekels to the car owner and AIG insurance. The court found that the new hybrid Toyota was disabled by low-quality fuel filled in December 2020. The judge deemed the plaintiffs' version more convincing, noting the defendant's inaction in not inspecting the vehicle or taking a fuel sample within three months of receiving the claim.

The Magistrate's Court in Netanya ordered Ramatop, the operator of a Paz gas station in Bat Yam, to pay approximately 26,000 shekels to the car owner and AIG insurance. The court determined that the new hybrid Toyota was disabled by low-quality fuel. The incident occurred in December 2020 when the owner's wife refueled the car at the Paz station on 5 Raziel Street in Bat Yam. Two days after refueling, the car completely stalled. Judge Merav Daniel-Bonen found the version of the owner and the insurance company more convincing. The court's decision noted that the plaintiffs had no motive to unjustly accuse the defendant, as the car was new and under warranty. The judge also noted that Ramatop deliberately did not inspect the vehicle or take a fuel sample for approximately three months after receiving the claim, which supports the plaintiffs' assertions. Additionally, the defendant did not present a complaint log, records from the gas station's automatic system, or other evidence that could refute the claim. The gas station is not owned by Paz, and no lawsuit was filed against it.