Florida warns of potentially widespread fuel contamination as Idalia approaches 

Florida warned Sunday of potentially widespread fuel contamination at Tampa-area gas stations as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the state.

Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said human error may have caused the potential contamination of fuel at nearly 30 gas stations in the Tampa area. Fuel from the stations — supplied by Citgo — has a “strong likelihood of being contaminated,” according to the department.

The department warned that any fuel purchased at the list of gas stations after 10 a.m. Saturday could be contaminated. It added that contaminated gas and diesel could have the “potential of causing engine damage or affecting operability” and warned consumers that vehicles or generators could malfunction if filled with such fuel.

All the impacted gas stations were asked to stop selling gas until the contaminated fuel is replaced and the tanks are cleaned.

The state’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is “coordinating with petroleum retailers, ports and all additional stakeholders to ensure that this disruption won’t be widespread and that residents can have seamless access to fuel,” according to the department, which is coordinating with the FDEM.

The potential fuel contamination comes as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches the state, threatening to bring high winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges. This could increase demand for fuel as residents rush to fill their gas tanks and generators ahead of the storm, which experts say could intensify into a Category 3 hurricane this week.

President Biden told Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) during a call Monday that he had approved an emergency declaration for the state in anticipation of the storm to free up additional federal assistance.