Zoeller opens investigation into BP gasoline recall to protect consumers
Attorney General’s Office to review company’s claims and reimbursement processes
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced that his office has opened an investigation into the BP gasoline recall to make sure consumers’ rights are protected.
Motorists who purchased regular grade gasoline in Northwest Indiana at BP and other retail outlets including Luke Oil, Thornton’s and others have reported car problems as a result of tainted gasoline.
“Our office opened an investigation regarding the BP gasoline recall in order to protect the significant number of consumers impacted,” Zoeller said. “We are closely monitoring the response by BP and will be reviewing their claims and reimbursement processes. As the watchdog for Indiana consumers my office has a duty to ensure consumer’s rights are protected and that there is no undue delay in appropriate reimbursements.â€
According to a statement released by BP on Tuesday, the company believes 2.1 million gallons of regular grade gasoline blended at BP’s Whiting, Indiana gasoline storage terminal between Aug. 13 and 17 contained a “higher than normal level of polymeric residue†which can cause drivability issues. This contaminant may cause hard starting, shaking of the engine, non-starting or the check engine light to illuminate.
Zoeller said consumers who purchased fuel in Northwest Indiana at BP and other retail outlets during the past week could be impacted.
BP asks customers to call their hotline at 1-800-333-3991 or email bpconsum@bp.com if their vehicles were affected by the tainted gasoline.
Consumers can also file a separate complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by visiting www.indianaconsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516 to request a hard copy of the form. Zoeller said customers are not required to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office to take part in the BP claims process, but complaints regarding BP’s responses are particularly appropriate.
