Colorado Springs Costco among locations selling potentially contaminated gas, state database shows
A statewide mix up of fuel has found its way to Colorado Springs.
The Costco Fuel Center at 5897 Barnes Road appears to be a gas station that mixed up regular gasoline and diesel fuels, according to a database maintained by the state’s Division of Oil and Public Safety.
Several gas stations have sold mixed up fuel statewide. Until Wednesday, the mixup was mainly concentrated in the Denver metro area and areas further north, according to a map created by Gazette news partner KUSA in Denver. The latest update from the state’s oil division said more than 400 people filed complaints.
Tim Jackson, former president and CEO of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association, said that those who accidentally — through no fault of their own — filled up their vehicle with contaminated fuel could see it seriously damage the engine or even make the car not able to start entirely.
“A gasoline engine just isn’t designed to handle diesel fuel, that’s why it’s going to either knock or completely shut off if it’s got too much of this fuel in it,” Jackson told The Denver Gazette. “Damage to the engine, where it would have to get overhauled or replaced, that’s where it will get really expensive.”
For those who filled up with the contaminated fuel, Jackson said they should stop driving immediately and bring their vehicle to a dealership or repair shop to get it looked at.
“Towing a car isn’t cheap, but it’s less expensive than having to replace an engine,” Jackson said.
Anyone who may have been affected by the contaminated fuel can can file a complaint with the Division of Oil and Public Safety.
The Denver Gazette’s Michael Braithwaite contributed to this report.





