Gas prices are already hurting the wallet, and now there’s an additional problem for drivers in Southwest Florida: Seven Circle K stations sold contaminated fuel, leaving plenty of people with engine trouble and unexpected repair bills.
Circle K admitted the mistake, explaining a third-party supplier delivered “bad fuel” to several stations from Bradenton down to Punta Gorda and around Fort Myers. The company shut down these sites and cleaned out their storage tanks, but for many, the damage had already been done. Several customers have had to pay costly repair bills, some over $500.
What actually happened under the hood when using the contaminated gasoline? Experts say water in the gas tank can wreak havoc. Water, being heavier than gas, sinks to the bottom. The engine pulls it in first, and from there, things get ugly. Fouled spark plugs and, in worst cases, major engine damage can follow.
The seven affected Circle K locations:
– 2925 1st St E, Bradenton
– 17170 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach
– 9951 Orange River Blvd, Fort Myers
– 14362 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers
– 9001 Rolfes Rd, Fort Myers
– 1181 Homestead Rd N, Lehigh Acres
– 11161 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
If you think your car received bad gas from any of these locations, here’s what to do:
– File a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture (1-800-HELP-FLA or fdacs.gov).
– Ask for state testing reports, as these can back up your claim.
– Call Circle K’s claims line: 1-855-276-1947.
The timing could not be worse, especially with the rising cost of gas. Putting a price tag on inconvenience is difficult; you cannot refund the time lost getting to work or driving the kids around, not to mention costly automobile repair bills.
