Fuel contamination at gas stations along Florida’s Gulf Coast could cause car engines and power generators to stop working as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches.

The Backstory: A “potentially widespread” fuel contamination was caused by a human error at the Port of Tampa, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
* The affected gasoline and diesel, supplied by Citgo, may have been sold at nearly 30 stations mostly along the Florida coast from the Tampa Bay region to Fort Myers.

The Impact: Officials warned the contaminated fuel could cause engine damage or stop a vehicle or generator from operating entirely.
* Governor Ron DeSantis said, as reported by NPR member station WUSF, a tank mostly filled with regular gas with some diesel may not ruin cars, but a whole tank of diesel could cause substantial problems.

Current Measures: The impacted gas stations have ceased selling gas until the fuel can be replaced and the used tanks cleaned.
* Florida’s division of emergency management also rescinded size, weight, and hour restrictions for transporting gas in the state to ensure swift fuel access.

Underplaying Threat: Tropical Storm Idalia is projected to become a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico as it approaches western Florida by Tuesday late evening.
* 33 counties along the coast from Panama City to Fort Myers have been given an emergency declaration and residents with vehicles are encouraged to have their gas tanks at least half-full if evacuation orders are placed.

View original article on NPR

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