HeraldTribune.com: Shell temporarily shuts down 106 stations

The Associated Press

Posted 27 May 04

NEW ORLEANS -- Shell has temporarily halted the sale of gasoline at 106 of its Shell and Texaco gas stations in the greater New Orleans area after discovering high levels of sulfur in the fuel.

The company detected elevated levels of sulfur in gasoline that was delivered to its Kenner distribution center, Shell spokesman Shawn Frederick said. Stations that had received gas from that center were notified and began ceasing gasoline sales Wednesday, Frederick said. They will remain closed until further notice, he said.

The elevated sulfur levels do not affect engine performance or pose a safety risk, but they do cause gas gauges in some vehicles to malfunction, which may lead drivers to believe their tanks are fuller than they really are, Frederick said.

"Customers experiencing unusual gas gauge readings are encouraged to monitor their mileage to prevent run-out," Frederick said.

There are 200 Shell and Texaco stations in the greater New Orleans area, some of which are receiving fuel from another distribution center and will remain open, Frederick said.

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