Did you get gas on the west coast of Florida this weekend? If so, you might have a problem.
Over the weekend, The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services identified a potentially widespread fuel contamination caused by "human error" at the Port of Tampa. Fuel purchased after 10 a.m. Saturday, August 26, at stations supplied by Citgo from the Port of Tampa has a strong likelihood of gasoline reportedly being contaminated with diesel. Click here to view a list of affected Florida gas stations.
The stations are supplied by Citgo, and nearly all are on the western side of the state from Brooksville to Fort Myers, but there are Daytona Beach, Dunnellon, Lakeland, Plant City and Umatilla locations on the list.
Contaminated gasoline and diesel have the potential of causing engine damage or affecting a vehicle's operability. The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services has opened up the consumer hotline to receive complaints from impacted consumers. If you believe you were sold contaminated gasoline, you can file a complaint by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA online at www.fdacs.gov.
FDACS said they are coordinating with the Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) as Tropical Storm Idalia bears down on Florida this week.
“FDEM is coordinating with petroleum retailers, ports and all additional stakeholders to ensure that this disruption won’t be widespread and that residents can have seamless access to fuel. At the direction of the Governor, FDEM has already waived size, weight, and hour restrictions to get resources into the state as quickly and efficiently as possible."
So, you want some good news? Sunday's state average for gas was $3.71 per gallon. That's the lowest daily average price since July 31 and a 15-cent drop in a week.
"The price of oil fell to its lowest level in a month, further reducing the cost of producing gasoline," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group.
