46 Colorado Gas Stations Accidentally Dispense Diesel Instead of Unleaded Fuel
In a significant fuel contamination incident, 46 gas stations across 11 counties in Colorado dispensed diesel fuel instead of unleaded gasoline last week. The error occurred when diesel was mistakenly distributed from a terminal in Henderson between January 7 and 8. Affected stations included major retailers like Costco, King Soopers, Safeway, and Murphy Express, among others.
Extent of the Contamination
The contaminated fuel reached stations on the Front Range, stretching from Wellington in Larimer County to Colorado Springs in the south. State officials confirmed that all compromised fuel has since been replaced.
Consumer Impact
- Over 600 drivers have reported engine problems related to this issue.
- Complaints are still being submitted to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Consumers who utilized the affected gas stations are encouraged to contact the location where they purchased the fuel to initiate claims. However, some smaller retailers may lack awareness about the contamination or the necessary steps to manage complaints, as noted by Cher Haavind, deputy executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Claims Process and Responsibilities
While the state will not reimburse consumers directly, they recommend that customers retain receipts when seeking repairs. Sinclair, the oil company involved, has committed to covering the repair costs. Zach Hope, the petroleum program manager for the Division of Oil and Public Safety, emphasized that Sinclair is undergoing a thorough review to prevent future errors.
Reporting Issues
Individuals experiencing sputtering, stalling, or other engine issues after refueling during the contamination period should report their experiences by submitting a form online. These forms are available in both Spanish and English. Haavind highlighted the importance of these reports as they help maintain a master record for contacting station owners.
State’s Response and Future Steps
The Colorado division is assessing its notification process to better inform consumers in future contamination incidents. Currently, there is no specific regulatory requirement for oil companies to report fuel contamination in a timely manner. Legislative changes may be explored to improve this process.
Investigation and Potential Fines
The state is evaluating options for imposing fines related to this incident, dependent on the outcomes of Sinclair’s investigation, which could take up to three weeks to complete.
Consumers are advised to act quickly and stay informed as more developments unfold regarding this fuel contamination case in Colorado.
