Several vehicles had to be towed from the gas station after customers bought possibly contaminated fuel.
HOUSTON — There’s plenty of pain at the pump considering current prices.
But the issues at a Circle K on Long Point Road may have more to do with what you’re paying for.
“We just got gas, and then after we put gas in, the car would not start,” said KHOU 11 viewer Jacqueline Santos.
Santos first contacted us on Saturday after she said her sister’s Boba Tea business van broke down, as did several other vehicles.
“And then as the day progressed, because we were all waiting for AAA, everyone started coming from the woodworks,” said Santos.
Uber driver Jack Tillett said he’s been unable to make a living since Saturday without his ride and showed us a receipt from the very same gas station.
“I got $12 worth of gas, started to head home, take a rest, go drive Uber the rest of the night,” said Tillett. “Made it about two miles and it just (makes breaking down sound).”
He said possibly bad gas left him without a way to make his weekly rent payment at an extended stay motel.
“I mean, I lost a car, I lost a job, I’m losing my home,” said Tillett. “And here I am, this is it, no way to get around.”
There was a sign on the store window that read “no gas” on Monday, while Santos placed bags on the individual pumps herself after getting samples of what she and others believe is contaminated fuel.
“If you get water into your engine, you might as well put your car in the graveyard,” said Santos. “Like, you’re going to kill your car.”
No one in the store wanted to do an interview, but someone told us the owner is in touch with the insurance company and Circle K regarding possible reimbursements.
Meanwhile, Circle K said this was an independently owned franchise location.
Here are some things you can do in a similar situation:
- Document any damage by keeping things like receipts and even fuel samples.
- Contact the gas station and make sure complaints are on the record.
- File a state complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees fuel quality.
- And, if necessary, escalate by contacting any larger ownership entity or even an attorney if repair costs pile up.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.