Georgia Stores Warned of Potentially Explosive Kerosene

Contaminated kerosene sold at two Georgia stores could cause fires or explosions, officials say.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture has issued warnings about potentially contaminated kerosene being sold at two stores in the state. The kerosene, sold at a CITGO Stop in Greensboro and Jasmine Petroleum in Gainesville, may be mixed with gasoline, creating a serious fire and explosion risk if ignited. A 'stop-sale' order has been issued at the Greensboro store until the tank and lines can be cleaned and the kerosene retested.

Why it matters

Kerosene is a common heating fuel, especially in rural areas, so contaminated supplies could put many Georgia residents at risk of fires or explosions in their homes. The Department of Agriculture is working to identify the source of the contamination and ensure public safety.

The details

The Georgia Department of Agriculture learned that kerosene sold at the CITGO Stop in Greensboro on or after February 4th may be contaminated with gasoline. This follows a similar warning last month about kerosene sold at Jasmine Petroleum in Gainesville. The gasoline contamination could cause the kerosene to ignite explosively if used. The state has issued a 'stop-sale' order at the Greensboro store until the fuel system can be cleaned and new kerosene supplies tested.

  • The contamination was discovered on February 4, 2026.
  • A similar issue was reported at a store in Gainesville last month.

The players

Georgia Department of Agriculture

The state agency responsible for regulating and inspecting agricultural products, including fuels like kerosene.

CITGO Stop

A gas station and convenience store in Greensboro, Georgia that sold the potentially contaminated kerosene.

Jasmine Petroleum, Inc.

A gas station in Gainesville, Georgia that previously sold contaminated kerosene.

Tyler Harper

The Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

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What they’re saying

“We must act quickly to ensure the safety of Georgia residents who rely on kerosene for heating and other uses.”

— Tyler Harper, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture

What’s next

The Department of Agriculture is working to identify the source of the contamination and ensure the kerosene tanks and lines at the affected stores are properly cleaned before allowing the sale of new kerosene supplies.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of fuel quality regulation and oversight to protect public safety, especially for common household fuels like kerosene that can pose serious fire and explosion risks if contaminated.