Some Virginia gas stations selling unlabeled E50; more than 400 consumer complaints; investigation underway

In Virginia, the state Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is conducting an investigation into reports that stations have been receiving and selling gasoline with up to 50 percent ethanol content, five times the current E10 limit. Distribution of the fuel, which has affected at least 12 stations in the Hampton Roads area, caused more than 400 consumer complaints in the past two weeks.

The agency said that it believes it can link the high-ethanol content fuel to a single fuel terminal, but is continuing its investigation, although CSP is reporting that local gas station owners are identifying Apex Oil as the source. A recent distribution of E20 ethanol in Nigeria to non flex-fuel cars resulted in more than 4000 reports of auto damage and resulted in the banning of ethanol from the country altogether.

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