Tainted Gas Reportedly Damaging Cars In Connecticut

What's worse than paying nearly $4 a gallon for gasoline? Paying nearly $4 a gallon for gas that causes expensive damage to your car.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection says it is investigating a spate of reports this week from consumers who say they were forced to take their cars to the shop after filling up with gasoline.

Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said his department acted following media reports on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The reports of tainted fuel came from both Montville and New Haven.

Busy mechanics

WTNH-TV in New Haven reported car dealer mechanics were confronted with problems ranging from coughing a sputtering to vehicles whose fuel injectors were seriously damaged. One driver told the station that her repair bill will be about $2,000.

"We responded to the Montville reports immediately after learning about problems that consumers were allegedly experiencing," Rubenstein said Thursday. "Yesterday, some of those consumers began to file complaints with our Department, and I encourage everyone who believes their vehicle may have been affected this week by bad gasoline to contact our Department, to file a complaint and to provide us with the name and address of the gas station. Our immediate priorities are to identify and stop the source of any problem and to assure that consumers are compensated for any problems caused by the bad gasoline."

It appears more than one gas station may be involved. The state is investigating reports related to a range of gas stations along the I-95 corridor from Guilford to Fairfield. Other areas of the state may be affected as well, the Department says. Investigators are reviewing stations' delivery invoices, taking samples, and conducting field interviews to identify the contaminant and track its source.

Investigation

The Department of Consumer Protection is actively investigating reports this week from consumers experiencing problems with their vehicles after purchasing gasoline. Media reports on Tuesday about gasoline sold in Montville and on Wednesday about gasoline purchased in the New Haven area brought the issue to the Department's attention, said today.

Connecticut consumers who suspect that bad gasoline was involved in problems with their vehicle should obtain and keep all service receipts for diagnostics or repair, as well as receipts for the gasoline they have recently purchased. Consumers should also notify the Department of Consumer Protection fuel standards unit by calling 860-713-8160 or 1-800-842-2649.