Denver metro area gas stations sold unleaded gasoline contaminated with diesel, causing vehicle issues. Officials are investigating the scope and advising affected drivers.
Gas Stations in Denver Area Receive Contaminated Gasoline
DENVER — At least 19 gas stations, possibly more, in the Denver metro area received unleaded gasoline contaminated with diesel, according to Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment.
The issue traces back to fuel loaded at the HF Sinclair terminal in Henderson on Thursday and Friday.
Affected Gas Stations
King Soopers is the only retailer to publicly confirm affected sites so far. Impacted locations include:
| 14967 Candelas Pkwy., Arvada | 25701 E Smoky Hill Rd., Aurora |
| 15109 E Colfax Ave., Aurora | 17000 E Iliff Ave., Aurora |
| 3050 S Peoria St., Aurora | 19001 E Quincy Ave., Aurora |
| 1045 S 1St St., Bennett | 3600 Table Mesa Dr., Boulder |
| 1650 30Th St., Boulder | 12167 Sheridan Blvd., Broomfield |
| 2355 W 136Th Ave., Broomfield | 7284 Lagae Rd., Castle Pines |
| 750 N Ridge Rd., Castle Rock | 5125 W Florida Ave., Denver |
| 11747 W Ken Caryl Ave., Littleton | 9820 W Belleview Ave., Littleton |
| 1611 Pace St., Longmont | 12959 S Parker Rd., Parker |
| 17761 Cottonwood Dr., Parker |
The Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) also confirmed contamination at a Costco in Sheridan. Complaints have come from both Costco and Murphy Express customers.
OPS notified 3,000 gas station owners across the state. Inspectors are collecting additional samples to determine the full scope.
Officials expect 24–36 hours for stations to fully remove the contaminants from affected pumps.
Impact on Vehicles
Diesel contamination will prevent proper combustion, clog fuel system components, foul spark plugs, and damage catalytic converters.
Denver area drivers reported engines stalling, shaking, losing power, or dying completely.
“He was driving into work down the highway, got about 15 miles away, and that’s when it started to slow down. He was trying to accelerate. It just became really sluggish and then completely died,” said Castle Pines resident MeiLon Dizmang, whose husband filled up at the King Soopers gas station on Lagae Road Thursday morning.
What to Do If Affected
If you bought regular unleaded after Wednesday afternoon and your vehicle is acting up, contact the gas station where you fueled.
Mechanics advise not driving the vehicle; have it towed to avoid further damage.
Consumers can also file a complaint with OPS.
The Rocky Mountain Insurance Association said an insurance company might pay for a tow, but insurance doesn’t cover mechanical issues.
