Diesel, unleaded mixup at Shoppette reimbursable

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  At a time when gasoline costs weigh heavily on many commuters, the last thing anyone needs is a situation where the very fuel that's already crimping their wallets is also causing monumental added expenses, or even vehicle damage.

Yet, that's the plight some unfortunate members of Team Sheppard faced a week ago, when certain grades of gas purchased at the base south Shoppette may have contained more than the usual petrol.

"Tests on a batch of premium fuel supplied to the Sheppard Army Air Force Exchange Service south gas station on Thursday, July 26, have revealed diesel contamination," said Nancy Copada, AAFES sales and merchandise manager, in an Aug. 3 e-mail. "AAFES records reflect that ... 170 customers purchased premium fuel from the south station from July 26 until the underground storage tank was drained ... July 30."

Diesel fuel used in a vehicle that takes unleaded can cause lower octane, leading to decreased engine performance. If an engine is running "rough" as a result of a bad octane mix, drivers are left with the options of either running their gas tank dry or having the tank drained by a mechanic. Only after refilling the tank with the proper fuel and continuing to drive can the full extent of damage to the engine be determined.

"Fuel supplier Fuel Masters will handle claims concerning contamination as a result of fuel purchased at the Sheppard south station," Ms. Copada said.

Fuel Masters, LLC., a fuel distributor out of Abilene, Texas, is "a fuel supplier for military bases nation wide," according to their website.

Kit Kimbrell, a supply manager for Fuel Masters, has been designated the person of contact for the contamination issue.

"There was a small percentage of diesel fuel loaded into the transportation truck that brought the unleaded fuel to Sheppard," Mr. Kimbrell confirmed.

"Fuel Masters will reimburse the customers who purchased premium unleaded fuel at the south Shoppette on the days in question. We'll reimburse both for the gasoline and for any damage their vehicle suffered as a result," he said.

The customer must possess a receipt of the Shoppette transaction, as well as any receipts for necessary repairs to their automobiles. The customer should be prepared to relay their name, address, and the exact dates they purchased the fuel.

To process a claim with Mr. Kimbrell, call Fuel Masters at (866) 455-3835, or FAX Mr. Kimbrell at (325) 676-3841.