GRUBBRR partner Robert Irvine joined ‘Maria Bartiromo’s Wall Street’ to discuss a new self-ordering technology for gas station convenience store purchases. This comes amidst Florida officials announcing on Sunday that fuel purchased after 10 a.m. on Saturday was likely contaminated with diesel if it was supplied by CITGO from the Port of Tampa.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) took to social media to make the announcement, revealing that the contamination was caused by human error. Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned the incident during a press conference regarding Tropical Storm Idalia, which is on its way towards the U.S. southern coast and potentially Florida.
During the conference, Gov. DeSantis confirmed that an investigation into the fuel contamination is underway to determine the extent of the issue. He also stated that the contamination occurred due to workers mistakenly putting diesel in tanks designated for regular gasoline.
Following the incident, the FDACS is working hard to compile a list of gas stations that may have received cross-contaminated fuel to inform the public accordingly. They have provided a hotline and website for individuals who believe they purchased contaminated gas to file complaints.
CITGO, the supplier responsible for the contaminated fuel, responded by immediately shutting down the affected terminal after discovering the issue due to a product routing problem. They notified all CITGO Marketers who lifted gasoline and diesel from the terminal during the affected time frame, urging them to stop sales.
A limited number of retail locations are affected, and CITGO is currently working to remove the contaminated product from those locations. The company has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident and assures its commitment to safe, reliable, and responsible operations.
If customers believe they purchased contaminated fuel on or after August 26, CITGO offers a Good Gas Guarantee program where claims can be filed on their website. The company emphasizes its dedication to maintaining the quality of its fuels and ensuring customer confidence in its products and brand.
The incident raises concerns for customers who may have filled up their vehicles with the contaminated fuel, potentially causing issues. Governor DeSantis described the impact of diesel in a tank of regular gas, stating that a small percentage of diesel may not ruin a car, but a full tank of diesel could lead to major problems.
As investigations continue and precautions are taken to address the contaminated fuel issue, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed and file complaints if they suspect they have purchased contaminated gas.