WAKE FOREST, NC – A major fuel mix-up at a local gas station has left a couple of dozen commuters facing massive repair bills and unexpected transportation headaches.
The Tank Mix-Up
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 2, at the Speedway gas station in Wake Forest, a suburb of Raleigh. According to investigators, a delivery driver mistakenly deposited diesel fuel into the underground tank designated for regular 87-octane gasoline.
Unwitting customers filled their tanks believing they were purchasing regular gas, only to have their vehicles sputter and break down shortly after leaving the pump.
Costly Engine Damage
Diesel fuel is significantly thicker than regular gasoline and burns much slower. When pumped into a standard gasoline engine, it can prevent the car from starting and cause severe internal damage.
Local mechanics note that the cost of repairs depends heavily on whether the driver started the engine:
- If the engine stayed off: The fix is a relatively simple draining and cleaning of the fuel tank.
- If the engine was turned on: The diesel circulates through the system, requiring expensive fuel line flushes, filter changes, and potential part replacements that can cost thousands of dollars.
State Investigation and Cleanup
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services deployed inspectors to the Speedway location to investigate the blunder. State officials are currently testing the underground tanks to ensure the cleanup job was fully sufficient and that no trace of diesel remains in the regular gasoline supply.
Reimbursement Disputes
While Speedway representatives have reportedly told affected customers that the company will reimburse them for direct towing and mechanical repair costs, some drivers are facing pushback regarding secondary expenses, such as rental cars and alternative transportation.
The state’s investigation into how the delivery error occurred remains ongoing.
