Firm apologizes for ethanol gas mistake In Iowa

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - A gasoline distribution company is apologizing for mistakenly providing gas stations in eastern Iowa with a blend containing a small amount of ethanol.

Magellan Midstream Partners said Monday the gasoline containing an average ethanol content of 1 percent was delivered to stations in Iowa City and surrounding areas between Jan. 12 and Jan. 15.

The product was intended to be sold as gasoline without ethanol. Magellan said it was investigating, but initial indications show a mechanical failure at its Iowa City distribution terminal was to blame.

The company says it promptly contacted customers and regulators and replaced the faulty product.

A Magellan spokesperson says it is apologizing to customers but does not expect any "drive-ability related claims" from motorists given that gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol is common in Iowa.