Customers Received Diesel Instead of Fuel at Ohio Gas Station, Leading to Costly Repairs

Circle K acknowledged that diesel and unleaded fuel mistakenly ended up in the wrong storage tanks at its Avon, Ohio, location

Laura Proctor/Bloomberg via Getty A Circle K convenience store at a gas station in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Aug. 19, 2024

Laura Proctor/Bloomberg via Getty

A Circle K convenience store at a gas station in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Aug. 19, 2024

At least 14 customers said they inadvertently filled their vehicles with the wrong fuel at an Ohio gas station due to a mix-up, resulting in possible costly repairs.

In a statement shared with CBS affiliate WOIO and Fox affiliate WJW, Circle K acknowledged the error occurred on Sunday, Jan. 19, at a Circle K in Avon.

“The car troubles experienced by some customers who purchased fuel at our location in Avon on January 19 resulted from fuels being delivered inadvertently into the wrong underground storage tanks,” the company said.

Related: Gasoline Linked to 150 Million Cases of Mental Health Disorders, Particularly in People Born Between 1966 and 1986

ADVERTISEMENT

Scott Bauchmoyer told WOIO that he filled his Jeep Wagoneer at the Circle K Avon station, and after turning on the ignition, noticed the car sputter and emit a giant puff of white smoke.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.  

Bauchmoyer later learned from his mechanic that diesel fuel was found in his gas tank.

Related: Gas Station Santa Gives Holiday Gift to His Customers – Lower Prices: 'Some of Them Say It Really Helps'

“My immediate reaction was no way. I’ve gotten gas, I’ve been driving for 26 years, I’ve gotten gas thousands of times. I couldn’t be that absent-minded,” Bauchmoyer said.

He also claimed the costs of repairing his vehicle amounted to $1,100, along with the amount to rent a car and the tow.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another driver, who asked to be anonymous, claimed to WOIO that his car was damaged at the Avon station on Jan. 19 when his diesel-powered truck with what later turned out to be unleaded. The driver added that his vehicle is now in the shop for repairs.

Related: Couple Ties the Knot at a Kentucky Gas Station Bathroom in Disco-Themed Wedding Ceremony

According to the oil and gas company Shell, the difference between diesel and unleaded fuel is how they are ignited.

“Diesel engines squeeze fuel and air so tightly that the mixture self-ignites without the need for an electric spark,” Shell said. “Diesel engines are more efficient because of their greater compression compared with petrol engines, allowing them to make better use of the heat generated.”

According to NBC affiliate WKYC, Circle K is working with at least 14 customers affected by the mix-up.

ADVERTISEMENT

Related: Gas Station Manager Fired After Accidentally Setting Gas Price at 69 Cents per Gallon Instead of $6.99

In its statement, Circle K said that "as soon as" they were made "aware of the situation, we shut down fuel pumps at this location." They continued, “We apologize to any customers affected by this issue, and we are working to assist them with their claims."

“In the meantime, we have removed and replaced the fuel in the affected storage tanks, and our pumps are once again operational,” Circle K added.

PEOPLE contacted Circle K’s corporate headquarters for comment on Monday, Jan. 27.

Circle K said that impacted customers should contact its customer service department at 1-855-276-1947. The company noted customers will be reimbursed for repairs or associated costs related to their car issues following reviews of their submitted claims.

Read the original article on People