Jan. 01--Six pumps at a Citgo on Chicago's Southwest Side have been shut down by the city for dispensing watered-down gasoline.
An inspection Wednesday by the city found 4 inches of water in underground storage tanks. The station is at 3700 W. 111th St. in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood.
The average price of gas has fallen to $2 per gallon across the U.S., a seven-year low, according to AAA. Water, however, is still cheaper, but a lot harder on car engines, leading to at least one consumer complaint to Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
The regular, mid-grade and premium pumps were "red tagged" and cannot be used until they are retested and approved by the city, which issued citations carrying fines of between $50 and $2,000 per pump, according to spokeswoman Mika Stambaugh.
"As it stands now, (the station) can only legally dispense fuel from their two diesel pumps," Stambaugh said.
Stambaugh said this was the first enforcement action taken against the station by the city related to watered-down gasoline.
Citgo representatives were not immediately available for comment Thursday, while calls to the gas station went directly to voicemail.
rchannick@tribpub.com
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