California Fuel Contamination Stalls Engines

Jan. 30, 2019
An investigation is underway regarding contaminated fuel at a gas station in San Jose, Calif.

Jan. 30, 2019–An investigation is underway regarding contaminated fuel at a gas station in San Jose, Calif., according to ABC 7 News. The news station reports that it is unknown how contaminated fuel got into a fuel dispenser at the gas station.

According to ABC 7 News, mechanics told the station that some cars were "inoperable" after being exposed. 

Since the incident occurred, Proper Fuels, the fuel company, said they will make the situation right for those affected by the contamination. The pump was shut down by the company within hours of learning about the contamination, ABC 7 News reports. 

Customer, Desiree Salazar says she filled up at this Propel Fuels pump on West Capitol Expressway in San Jose on Saturday and that the needle on her fuel gauge began jumping back and forth and her engine warning light turned on hours later.


"By the end of the day, my car was shaking and we were driving later on in the day. We were driving in Milpitas and my car gave out in the middle of the street, " Salazar said to ABC 7 News

"Unfortunately, this type of thing happens in the fuel business despite all the technology and you just pray it doesn't happen to your customers," Rob Elam, chief executive officer of Proper Fuels said to ABC 7 News. "When it does, the best thing to do is to make sure anyone affected is supported individually, fixed up and back on the road as soon as possible. That's what we're trying to do."

Elam told ABC 7 News that the cause is still unknown, and the company has not ruled out sabotage. Propel says anyone confirmed to have put the contaminated fuel into their tank will be taken care of, ABC 7 News reports, and the Chevron station which leases space to Propel is not involved with this incident. 

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