State warns against contaminated kerosene at Claxton gas station after explosion risk found

CLAXTON, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Department of Agriculture is warning residents not to use kerosene sold at a Claxton gas station due to contamination that could cause explosions or fires.

Consumers who bought kerosene from El Cheapo at 821 W. Main St. in Claxton on or after Jan. 27 should not use the product in their heaters or lamps, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in a press release.

The kerosene is possibly contaminated with gasoline and could cause explosions or fires if used in home heaters or lamps. The contamination was discovered during an inspection of the store.

A stop-sale order has been issued on the kerosene pump at the store. The pump will remain closed until lines have been cleaned and a new shipment is approved by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

“The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Fuel & Measures Division works every day to protect Georgia consumers and ensure the safety and integrity of our fuel supply, and we immediately issued a stop sale order after finding evidence of possible contamination,” Harper said. “Consumers who purchased kerosene from this location should not use it and are advised to return it to the store for a refund.”