TAINTED GAS Car damage will be paid

More than 600 complaints of damaged vehicles were reported.
SHARON, Pa. -- A Warren, Pa., gasoline refinery has agreed to reimburse motorists whose vehicular gas gauges were damaged by tainted gasoline believed to have come from its plant.
United Refining Co. said it is continuing to investigate the cause of reported gas gauge malfunctions but will pay for repairs for customers whose vehicles were damaged by fuel bought at United outlets in northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York.
Jerry Pappert, Pennsylvania attorney general, said his office negotiated the reimbursement program.
Complaints pour in
His Erie office received more than 600 complaints from consumers last month who said their gas gauges malfunctioned soon after purchasing gas at various United outlets, including several Kwik Fill, Keystone and Country Fair stations. Investigators traced the gasoline to the Warren refinery, Pappert said.
The malfunctions cost motorists between $75 and nearly $700 to have their gas gauge in-tank sensors repaired or replaced.
Some contended the damaged gauges resulted in their running out of gas and incurring towing charges and other expenses.
Pappert said it appears that elemental sulfur was in the gasoline and caused some gas gauges to malfunction.
United has been cooperative with the investigation and has agreed to compensate consumers affected by the tainted gas, Pappert said.
Problem solved
A statement issued by the company said the problem has been solved with the introduction of a fuel additive designed to prevent gas gauge malfunctions.
United said it will reimburse consumers for repairs associated with the purchase of the tainted gasoline using these guidelines:
UFuel must have been purchased from a Kwik Fill, Keystone or Country Fair store on or after May 4, 2004, in Pennsylvania north of Interstate 80 or in Cattaraugus or Chautauqua County, New York.
UThe gas gauge must have first malfunctioned on or after that same date.
UReceipts must be furnished for all repairs. Gasoline purchases will be reimbursed as well, provided a receipt is shown.
To initiate a claim, consumers should call (800) 458-6097 ext. 4834 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.