Did You Fill Up at These Area Gas Stations?

If your vehicle is acting funny — hard starting, rough idling, stalling and the like – it might have a case of the bad gas that's been going around, courtesy of BP.

According to company's database of stations selling bad fuel, several local facilities have sold "off-specification gasoline" emanating from BP's Whiting, Ind. refinery. They are:

• BP, 4802 Caton Farm Rd., Plainfield
• Meijer gas station, 13705 S. Route 59, Plainfield
• Thornton's, 1602 Essington, Joliet
• BP, 1987 W. Jefferson, Joliet
• Thornton's, 2798 W. Jefferson, Joliet

You can also click on the embedded map to view affected gas stations throughout the suburbs.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the "formulation mishap has led to about 8,600 claims from motorists each trying to recoup hundreds of dollars from BP that they spent for car repairs, BP said. Typical repair bills for draining the fuel tank and cleaning the fuel system are $300 to $1,200. BP said phone calls to its claims center are "trending lower" than last week.

Locations affected were instructed to immediately stop selling the off-specification fuel and to properly clean out their tanks and dispose of the material, according to a notice on BP's website. BP recalled 4.7 million gallons of gasoline last week, according to a Chicago Tribune report. 

The fuel was transported from the refinery to regional stations between Aug. 13–17. It was recalled Aug. 21. Gasoline now being distributed from the same refinery has undergone quality testing to guarantee it meets BP's standards, according to BP.

Consumers who believe they bought the off-specification fuel and need to file a claim for repairs can call 800-599-9040 or submit an online inquiry at www.bpresponse.com. 

BP currently has 80 representatives accepting calls and completing consumers claim intake forms. The Claim Intake Center is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. 110 adjusters are currently on staff to administer the claims, according to a notice on BP's website. 

Expenses covered under the claims program include:

• reimbursement for vehicle towing
• vehicle repair related to the fuel quality issue
• cost of the initial fuel purchased
• replacement personal transportation such as taxi or shuttles
• an allowance if one rental car of required, up to a maximum of 7 days

Customers may also download a claim form here. The form can be printed, completed and emailed to BP at bpfuelclaims@bp.com or mailed to BP Fuel Claims, P.O. Box 1148, Hammond, LA  70404