No gas in Cornwall, stations are closed


 

CORNWALL — For the moment, you can’t buy gas in Cornwall.

The only remaining operating pumps of late were at the Citgo station and Xtramart in Cornwall Bridge. Those have been closed for about a week. Drake Petroleum Co. Inc. operates the convenience store and Citgo gas station. Regional Manager Gary Mikutel said new lines and pumps will be installed and the station reopened in the next three to four weeks.

Mikutel said upgrades were needed to the aging equipment. Work there has yet to start and yellow caution tape surrounds the four pumps on two islands. Preliminary information obtained by The Journal from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shows a record of a recent issue there of reconciliation of fuel deliveries and inventory.

"I’m not aware of any problem with reconciliation," Mikutel said. "That’s another department, but if there is an issue I’m sure its being resolved."

Asked if the paperwork issue could be caused by a leak, Mikutel said that is something he would definitely be aware of, and that the DEP would be addressing on-site.

Employees at the Xtramart said they’ve been busy fielding phone calls and telling surprised customers they can’t get gasoline. Residents are finding a greater need than ever to make sure fuel tanks don’t go too low. One resident said she found the station closed last week and headed for Falls Village. Both gas stations there were closed due to a power outage. She barely made it to North Canaan.

Mikutel said gas should be available again by Labor Day weekend.

"Customers can expect some good gas prices. We’re going to kick it off with a bang."

But grab those bargains while you can. Despite the lack of competition, the Cornwall Bridge station has a lower volume than average, Mikutel said. It’s one of the reasons its prices are considered to be among the highest around.

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