The gas stations, in Mercer, Monmouth, Somerset,
and Union counties, allegedly received a total
of nearly 65,000 gallons of 100 octane aviation
gasoline, or avgas, from a fuel distributor,
between December 6 and December 7, 2012. Avgas
is used to power piston-engined aircraft. Unlike
motor fuel, it contains tetraethyl lead, a toxic
substance that can damage cars’ catalytic
converters and oxygen sensors.
The State’s Complaint, filed by the Division of
Law, names as defendants Pasmel Property, Inc.,
of Freehold, and six Pasmel-owned gas stations:
Daninka, in North Plainfield; Express Fuel, in
Trenton; Keyport Delta; Manasquan Lukoil;
Lawrenceville Lukoil; and Scotch Plains Lukoil.
The State’s suit also names as defendants
Brooklyn-based Zephyr Oil, a fuel distributor,
and Pittsgrove-based Lee Transport, a fuel
transporter.
Between December 6 and December 8, the gas
stations allegedly advertised the avgas to
consumers as unleaded regular, plus, or premium
motor fuel. The State alleges that consumers
unknowingly purchased the avgas, and faced a
potential risk of significant problems with
their vehicles.
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