Shell Oil Sold Faulty Fuel

Just prior to the Memorial Day weekend, Shell Oil Company stopped selling gasoline at more
than 500 of its stations in Southern states because of high levels of sulfur in the fuel.
Sulfur can damage in-tank fuel-sending units and make a gauge appear full because the
system uses silver electrical contacts, which can be quickly corroded by sulfur. This could
result in drivers running out of fuel unexpectedly. As of May 28, 119 Shell and Texaco
stations were closed in the New Orleans area, and 400 were not selling fuel in Florida,
said a Shell spokeswoman (Shell owns the Texaco brand.) In addition to the New Orleans
area, tainted fuel turned up in Miami, Tampa, Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale. Unlucky vehicle
owners may also have to replace their fuel-sending units in the tanks, which can easily
cost hundreds of dollars. Vehicle owners who bought fuel in that area and now have
gas-gauge failures should contact Shell.