A class-action lawsuit has been filed against major oil companies, alleging that the ethanol-blended gasoline they sell damages fuel tanks and engines.

According to International Boating Industry, Los Angeles law firm Kabateck, Brown, Kellner LLP is representing California boaters in the suit against Exxon, Chevron, BP, Shell, ConocoPhillips, and others.

Managing partner Brian Kabateck was quoted as saying, “The oil companies know this fuel is corrosive, but they’re keeping consumers in the dark to pump up their profits. The cost to the consumer is thousands of dollars in repairs.”

All California boaters who bought ethanol-blended gas from a California retailer and whose tanks are fiberglass tanks are represented in the suit. “Selling gasoline that dissolves gas tanks is a new low even for the oil companies,” Kabateck said.

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Posted: April 15, 2008