Imagine pulling up to a gas station, filling your tank, and driving off, only to realize your car is sputtering and stalling just a few blocks later. This is exactly what happened to dozens of Colorado drivers who unknowingly pumped diesel into their gasoline-powered vehicles. What started as a routine trip to the pump turned into a costly nightmare, leaving many wondering how such a massive mix-up could occur. But here’s where it gets even more frustrating: the state hasn’t released a full list of affected stations, leaving drivers in the dark about whether their local pump is safe.
Original Reporting Alert: This article is based on firsthand information gathered by our reporters, including direct interviews with sources and analysis of primary documents. Here’s what we know so far: On Thursday, state officials issued a warning after discovering that diesel fuel had been mistakenly distributed instead of regular unleaded at several gas stations across Colorado. The blunder originated at a Sinclair terminal in Henderson, where diesel was loaded into tankers and delivered to numerous stations between 2 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday.
A sample taken from the Costco gas station at River Pointe in Sheridan confirmed the contamination, according to a spokesperson from the state’s Division of Oil and Public Safety. State employees are now testing fuel at various locations to identify all impacted retailers, while station owners are scrambling to halt the sale of the tainted fuel. And this is the part most people miss: the extent of the damage to a car’s engine depends entirely on how much diesel was pumped into the tank.
Stephen Martindale, service director at Phil Long in Denver, explains that gasoline engines can’t generate enough heat to ignite diesel. “If the tank was nearly empty and they filled it up, the car might only travel a couple hundred feet before stalling,” he said. For drivers who suspect their vehicle has been affected, Martindale recommends taking it to a dealership immediately. Mechanics will likely drain the tank, clear the fuel lines, replace the filter if necessary, and add a cleaning additive. But here’s the controversial part: the repair bill could easily top $1,000, including towing and disposal of the contaminated fuel. “That’s where the costs add up,” Martindale noted, “and it all depends on how much diesel we have to remove.”
King Soopers confirmed that about a dozen of their gas stations were affected, and they took “immediate action” by shutting down fuel lines and conducting diagnostic tests. The impacted King Soopers locations include:
- 14967 Candelas Pkwy., Arvada
- 25701 E. Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora
- 17000 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora
- 3050 S. Peoria St., Aurora
- 1045 S. 1st St., Bennett
- 12167 Sheridan Blvd., Broomfield
- 2355 W. 136th Ave., Broomfield
- 7284 Lagae Rd., Castle Pines
- 750 N. Ridge Rd., Castle Rock
- 5125 W. Florida Ave., Denver
- 1611 Pace St., Longmont
- 12959 S. Parker Rd., Parker
- 17761 Cottonwood Dr., Parker
Costco and Murphy Express have yet to release a list of their affected stations, leaving many drivers in limbo. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Should gas stations be held financially responsible for the damage caused by this mix-up, or is it the driver’s responsibility to verify the fuel type before pumping? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
If you believe your vehicle has been affected, you can file a complaint with the Division of Oil and Public Safety online at https://ops.colorado.gov/sites/ops/files/2019-11/consumercomplaintform.pdf or by calling 303-866-4967. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and remember to double-check your fuel type before driving off—it could save you a small fortune.
