Diesel Fuel Mistakenly Distributed at Multiple Colorado Gas Stations

Several gas stations across Colorado, including Costco, King Soopers, and Murphy Express locations, inadvertently dispensed diesel fuel in place of regular unleaded gasoline between 2 p.m. on Wednesday and 6 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety. The issue originated from a Sinclair terminal in Henderson, where diesel was mistakenly loaded and distributed to numerous stations.

King Soopers confirmed that approximately a dozen of its gas stations received the incorrect fuel. Upon discovering the issue, the company took immediate action by shutting down the affected fuel lines and dispatching teams to perform diagnostic tests.

The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety has received over 200 complaints related to this incident and is actively testing fuel samples to identify all impacted retailers. Station owners are collaborating with state officials to halt the sale of contaminated fuel and replace it with the correct product.

Stephen Martindale, service director at Phil Long Ford in Denver, explained that the impact on a vehicle's engine depends on the amount of diesel fuel added to the tank. He recommended that drivers who suspect they received contaminated fuel should have their vehicles towed to a dealership for inspection and necessary repairs.

Customers who believe they may have been affected are encouraged to contact their local gas station and can also file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety online or by calling 303-866-4967.