State gets $137K settlement over aviation fuel in cars

NEWARK (AP) — State officials say they reached a $137,000 settlement with three companies over the sale of aviation fuel that was pumped into motor vehicles at six New Jersey gas stations.

Consumer Affairs officials say the fuel damages catalytic converters and oxygen sensors.

The settlement includes $85,000 from Freehold-based Pasmel Property, which owns the six gas stations. It also includes $32,000 from Pittsgrove-based fuel transporter Lee Transport, and $20,000 from Brooklyn-based Zephyr Oil.

There is a provision for more than $7,500 in restitution for consumers who demonstrated that their vehicles were damaged, or who paid to have the fuel removed from their vehicles.

“Our laws require honesty and transparency from merchants who sell gasoline and other products – especially if those products may be harmful,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said. “The sale of leaded aviation fuel to motorists who think they are purchasing unleaded motor fuel, with no awareness of the damage aviation fuel can do to their cars, is unconscionable.”

It was sold to motorists at the Daninka station in North Plainfield; Express Fuel in Trenton; Keyport Delta; and Lukoils in Manasquan, Lawrenceville and Scotch Plains.

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