Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM) has denied allegations on social media about the sale of petrol diluted with water to Gaaf Alif Maamendhoo and Nilandhoo

The allegation circulating on social media about a large amount of water in petrol sold by the company is false news, FSM said in a statement released yesterday. The company's barges have the capacity to test for water in order to ensure the quality of petrol, FSM said in the statement.

The company urged resellers of fuel to ensure storage arrangements in accordance with regulations and to follow instructions from the relevant authorities.

Earlier today, the only fuel seller in Maamendhoo told Adhadhu that the presence of water was discovered through an engine alert after a boat was refuelled for a trip.

Videos shared with Adhadhu showed that the petrol in the barrel was heavily diluted with water.

A seller from Nilandhoo also told Adhadhu that there was water in the most recently refilled petrol, which amounted to a total of 1,000 litres or about five barrels. Only two barrels worth of petrol were saved after the water was removed, he said.

FSM told Adhadhu that the company has not received any complaints. But such an incident would be looked into as a matter of importance, the company said.