BP: Most Retail Sites Back in Business Following Gas Recall

WHITING, Ind. -- One week after BP recalled 50,000 barrels of off-specification gasoline, things are getting back to normal at retail sites in the Midwest.

According to a BP statement, regular gasoline it supplies to retailers in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin is within normal specifications and available for motorists. Regular gasoline accounts for more than 80 percent of BP's sales volume in the region.

As for premium and mid-grade gasoline, the supply is back within normal specifications through much of the region. However, BP decided to temporarily suspend sales of the premium and mid-grade at some locations in Indianapolis and Chicagoland pending further testing and resupply.

The problems began when a batch of regular grade gasoline blended at BP's Whiting, Ind., gasoline storage terminal between Aug. 13 and 17 was found to contain a higher than normal level of polymeric residue. The oil giant subsequently found that premium and midgrade sales fuel sold from its Milwaukee terminal was also affected, as CSNews Online previously reported.

The company set up a dedicated website, www.bpresponse.com, to handle inquiries from consumers who may have been affected by the fuel quality issue this week. As of this past Friday, the company said it had received more than 16,000 customer complaints.

The company could be facing legal woes over the bad gas. As CSNews Online reported last week, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller launched an investigation into the problem to make sure Indiana residents' rights are protected. And now two Indiana law firms are planning a class-action lawsuit against BP after thousands of customers in three states complained of car problems they believe were caused by the recalled gas.

In a news release issued Thursday, Cohen & Malad LLP and Theodoros & Rooth PC said they have been speaking with people about the matter and want them to receive full compensation for their damages. The venue of the lawsuit or number of people who have reached the firms was not available Thursday night.

"People deserve justice and assurance that a company like BP will be held accountable for its actions," said Barry Rooth, of Theodoros & Rooth, in the statement.