In The News

Judge certifies class in ‘hot fuel’ case

The class-action lawsuit against fuel companies that sell so-called “hot fuel” is a step closer to proceeding to trial.

U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Vratil of the District of Kansas certified a class of plaintiffs following recent oral arguments.

Certification of the class is an important step in the case going to trial, said plaintiff attorney George Zelcs of the Korein-Tillery firm. If a case is not certified, then it cannot proceed as a class action.

Plaintiff groups from all over the U.S. began filing lawsuits in 2007 against oil and fuel companies, alleging that retail fuel sold without regard for temperature changes is a violation of consumer protection laws. The higher the temperature of the fuel is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the bigger the rip-off.

The plaintiffs seek a ruling to make automatic temperature compensation mandatory on all retail fuel pumps. They are also seeking financial compensation from dozens of oil and fuel companies in 26 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.

The defendant group, consisting of many familiar oil companies and fuel retailers, defends the sale of uncompensated retail fuel, saying their sales adhere to current laws.

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