Citgo shuts Florida terminal on fuel contamination

Citgo shut its Tampa, Florida, fuel terminal Saturday after selling gasoline contaminated with diesel that was distributed to 29 gas stations in the state.

Citgo discovered the gasoline was contaminated on 26 August and immediately shut down the terminal, according to a statement from the company released Sunday. Marketers who lifted gasoline or diesel fuel from the terminal between 8am and 2pm ET were notified by Citgo and asked to stop sales.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) released a list of 29 affected gas stations, noting that more stations could be included as fuel is tested.

"Impacted stations have been asked to stop selling gas until the contaminated fuel is replaced and tanks are cleaned," FDACS said.

Customers who purchased gasoline from affected stations after 10am ET may find their vehicles or generators malfunctioning, FDACS said.

The Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) has waived trucking size, weight and hour restrictions to move refined product into the state, FDACS said in its statement.

By Nathan Risser