As fallout continues to result from the sale of diesel-contaminated unleaded gasoline at metro Denver gas stations, repair shops say repairs start at $1,500, but will likely reach $3,000 or more.
People who now have to cover the cost of repairs fear they will never be reimbursed.
Lance Strait is one of hundreds of people whose the car was damaged after putting gas at a King Soopers gas station in Parker earlier this week.
“I trusted them to provide gas that wouldn’t be contaminated with diesel, it’s kind of like a basic requirement for fuel suppliers to not have contaminated fuel,” Strait said.
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His car was towed and is in the garage. So far, his repair bill stands at $3,200.
“But they’re probably going to see more damage as it gets into the engine,” Strait said.
He thinks Kroger, the parent company of King Soopers, or Sinclair should pay for his car repairs.
On Friday, state officials said customers like Strait who purchased contaminated fuel should go to the station where they purchased it to begin the process of reimbursing any expenses they may have.
Strait says that’s exactly what he did, and the King Soopers station said an insurance company would contact him.
“But we haven’t heard anything from the insurance company about their plan,” Strait said.
He says he’s been told he’ll likely have to pay for the repair out of pocket and then get reimbursed, which makes him uneasy about ever getting paid.
“It made me feel like they weren’t helping us,” Strait said.
He says he’s also hoping someone will cover the cost of his towing and temporary transportation bill as well, since he has to travel to Denver for work.
“Maybe they’ll step in and rent cars for those of us who have this happened to them, but I’m not going to hold my breath on that,” Strait said.
He says at this point it’s the only thing that can make up for the damage and trouble it’s caused him.
“I hope that Kroger and the other suppliers, Costco, or whoever sold this contaminated gas, will do the right thing by their customers and take care of us,” Strait said.
Kroger released a statement saying in part: “We sincerely regret the inconvenience and disruption this has caused our customers. We understand the importance of reliable fuel service and are committed to working directly with all affected customers to resolve their concerns. Customers who believe they may have been affected are encouraged to contact their local store and we will assist them promptly.
The Colorado Division of Petroleum and Public Safety also encourages affected customers to contact them by filing a complaint online or calling 303-866-4967.
