Florida residents face “potentially widespread” fuel contamination along the state’s Gulf Coast that could damage vehicles as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches and residents potentially face evacuation orders, state officials said a day after the governor declared a state of emergency for the hurricane.
Gasoline purchased after 10 a.m. Saturday at Port of Tampa stations supplied by Citgo has a high probability of contamination, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said Sunday.
The contamination happened through accidental mixing of diesel and gasoline, said Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida at a news conference on Sunday.
“Basically, it’s just human error,” he said. “They put diesel in tanks that should have been regular gas.”
The state Department of Agriculture listed about 30 gas stations that could be affected, while warning that fuel contaminated with diesel could cause engine damage or affect a car’s ability to operate.
In many cases, drivers can only go a few miles before shutting off the engine, which can create a potentially dangerous situation for those trying to evacuate.
As Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen, officials are warning that evacuation notices may be forthcoming. The Florida Division of Emergency Management residents were told to keep their gas tanks at least half full in case emergency evacuation orders are issued.
Mr. DeSantis said the contamination could “complicate” matters if there is a need to evacuate but added that the state has begun an investigation into what happened.
“You’re going to have people potentially end up on the side of the road,” he said Sunday. “I mean, if you fill your tank with diesel and start driving it, it’s not going to end well.”
Stations affected by the contamination have been asked to stop selling gas until the contaminated fuel is replaced and the tanks are cleaned.
The state Department of Agriculture did not immediately respond to questions about how many stations have completed these steps.
Port of Tampa Bay spokeswoman Lisa Wolf-Chason said the port is aware of the contamination at the Citgo fuel terminal but added that the terminal is not affiliated with the port and that the company’s operations are not under the authority or supervision of the harbor
“The port has contacted our five partner fuel terminal operators and ensured they are ready to deliver fuel and support consumers as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches and moves through our region,” he said.
A Citgo representative said the company discovered the contaminated product on Saturday and is coordinating efforts to remove it from the retail locations that acquired it.
Gasoline and diesel both come from crude oil, but are chemically different, according to National Motorists Associationand when the two are mixed it can damage the engine.
The organization advises drivers not to start their engine and have a mechanic flush the tank.
Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said Sunday that the agency is working to ensure the contamination is quickly resolved.
State officials are contacting “everyone from petroleum retailers to the ports themselves to make sure the disruption is not widespread or prolonged,” Mr. Guthrie said, “and residents can have continuous access to fuel.”
