Country Fair store in Erie has diesel mix

May 02, 2023

Diesel fuel was mistakenly delivered into an unleaded gasoline storage tank Tuesday at a Country Fair store in Erie County.

Country Fair released a statement Wednesday acknowledging the mistake, which occurred at the 7650 Old Perry Highway store, and noted it was an isolated incident that took place only at that location.

Patrons who purchased gasoline at the location between 5-9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and who believe their vehicle to be affected can contact Country Fair at 814-898-1111 to file a claim.

"Country Fair sincerely apologizes to all our customers who were affected by this incident," the statement read. "Country Fair cares about our customers and the community and is committed to covering the costs associated with vehicle repairs if any are required."

Diesel fuel is thicker and denser than gasoline and will likely clog up a non-diesel vehicle's fuel filter, according to an article on J.D. Power.com.

Any amount of diesel that makes its way to the engine will clog the fuel injectors, making them inoperable and will result in the engine "gumming up and seizing," the article continued.

Diesel pumps are usually labeled and are colored green to differentiate themselves.

Motorists who suspect their vehicles to be affected are advised to have their vehicles immediately towed to a garage for drainage. Driving is not advised.

Driving the car could cause the diesel fuel to enter the fuel line and the engine system, which could make repairs more complicated and costly, according to the J.D. Power article.

A.J. Rao can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @ETNRao.