Indiana Officials Look Into BP Gasoline Recall

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The Indiana attorney general says his office is opening an investigation into BP’s recall of gasoline produced at its refinery in Whiting.

Greg Zoeller told WJOB-AM in Hammond on Wednesday he wants to make sure consumers’ rights are taken into consideration. The Times of Munster reports it heard from some BP customers who are frustrated and concerned about the company’s response.

BP has heard from more than 5,000 customers whose cars have required repairs associated with recalled regular gasoline in northwestern Indiana.

BP spokesman Scott Dead said it’s received 4,500 calls and 800 email messages since announcing the recall.

The oil company says customers whose vehicles have experienced hard starting or other problems caused by the fuel should send it an email at bpconsum(at)bp.com or call 1-800-333-3991. Dean says customers should provide receipts for the repairs and fuel purchase, if available, or credit card bills showing the fuel purchase at affected retailers.

BP believes a 50,000-barrel batch of gasoline shipped from its Whiting fuel storage terminal Aug. 13-17 contained a higher level of a polymeric residue. BP says recalled gasoline went to Chicago’s south suburbs and Milwaukee and may involve grades other that regular.

Dean says some of the recalled fuel was sent to Milwaukee and sold at retailers there Monday and Tuesday before sales were halted.

The company announced the recall Monday, saying it was limited to regular gasoline sold at retailers in northwestern Indiana. Dean now says some of the tankers delivering the fuel there also crossed the state line into Illinois. Dean says it also might involve premium and mid-grade gasoline.

The company apologized for inconveniences caused to customers.

Several said they called BP customer service phone lines on Tuesday and were placed on hold for two hours. Others said BP was making it difficult for them to receive compensation.

BP spokesman Scott Dean didn’t immediately return a message from The Associated Press seeking comment Wednesday. Dean told the Post-Tribune the company has been adding staffers to help field calls that swamped the phone system.