BP Recalls Fuel in Northwest Indiana

HOUSTON -- BP is recalling 50,000 barrels of off-specification gasoline shipped to northwest Indiana distributors last week. The oil giant has also established a process to work with motorists whose care have required repairs linked to the fuel.

The batch of regular grade gasoline was blended at BP's Whiting, Ind., gasoline storage terminal between Aug, 13 and 17. It contained a higher than normal level of polymeric residue and this residue can cause hard starting and other drivability issues, according to a company statement.

The fuel may have been purchased by motorists patronizing BP and other retail outlets in northwest Indiana during the past seven days.

The company has set up a dedicated to handle inquiries from consumers who may have been affected by the fuel quality issue in the Chicago, Milwaukee and Northwest Indiana areas this week. Consumers can visit www.bpresponse.com to ask questions or get further information on how to file a claim. Affected customers can also contact the customer hotline at (800) 333-3991.

BP is going through its shipping records and contacting northwest Indiana customers who may have loaded tanker trucks at the storage terminal during this period and is replacing the contaminated fuel with fresh product.