Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, August 30, 2012
(INDIANAPOLIS) - BP has recalled some bad gasoline, but it had already taken a toll on plenty of Indiana drivers.
Ann Keil, of Fox59 reports, of the 8,600 claims that are being processed by the company, 64 percent are from Indiana residents.
The problem that originated at the company's Whiting refinery spread through Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.
"They sent out crews. They pulled the gas out of the tanks. They refilled it up," said Tom Bodin, Chief Economist with the Indiana Attorney General's Office.
"It's not just going to be BP branded stations," he added.
Company officials have said the gas has high levels of a polymer residue, and it could have been purchased at any of more than two dozen gas stations in Indianapolis.
"We're going to see a concentration of issues in those that bought mid and premium," said Bodin.
But a long list of surrounding communities also got a taste of the tainted fuel that caused a number of issues including rough idling and stalling. Some drivers even needed a tow to an area mechanic.
"You're not going to get all the gas out until you pull the gas tank and pull the fuel pump out," said Jeff Evans, a mechanic with Hill's Garage in Indianapolis.
It is also a costly process. Bodin said it could set any driver back upwards of $1,200.
BP claims drivers are already being reimbursed for their trouble, and the gas coming from the refinery is clear. Still, Bodin said they will be in daily contact with the company to make sure Hoosiers affected by the problem are taken care of.
About 100 complaints have been filed with the Indiana Attorney General's Office in connection with the tainted gas.
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