In the wake of intense flooding caused by Hurricane Beryl in southeast and east Texas, consumers who believe they may have purchased contaminated fuel are urged to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) promptly.

Flooding can lead to water entering underground fuel storage tanks, potentially contaminating the gasoline supply. If you suspect you’ve purchased contaminated fuel, take these steps immediately:

1. File a Complaint Online: Visit the TDLR website and choose "Fuel Metering & Quality" from the drop-down menu. Filing a complaint swiftly is crucial because subsequent fuel deliveries could dilute or remove the contaminated fuel, complicating the investigation.

2. Provide Detailed Information: Include fuel receipts, fuel type, octane rating, pump number, station details, and any vehicle damage in your complaint.

3. Notify Station Management: Inform the station management or headquarters about the issue. Many stations will stop selling the suspect fuel and check it. They often reimburse repair costs voluntarily. However, if the station denies the problem, filing the complaint with TDLR ensures the matter is investigated.

Upon receiving a complaint, TDLR reviews the information to decide if an investigator should be dispatched to collect a fuel sample for lab analysis. If contamination is confirmed, TDLR will take appropriate action based on the station's response to the reports.

Motor fuel dealers and operators should visually inspect their metering devices, filtering equipment, and storage tanks to ensure they are contamination-free and functioning properly.