Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper Warns Consumers Kerosene Sold in Claxton, GA May Be Volatile and Should Not Be Used

CLAXTON, GA – Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper is warning consumers who purchased kerosene on or after January 27th, 2026, from El Cheapo #81, 821 W. Main St, Claxton, GA 30417, not to use the product in their kerosene heaters or lamps.
 
“The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Fuel & Measures Division works every day to protect Georgia consumers and ensure the safety and integrity of our fuel supply, and we immediately issued a "stop sale” order after finding evidence of possible contamination,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Consumers who purchased kerosene from this location should not use it and are advised to return it to the store for a refund.”
 
The Kerosene is possibly contaminated with gasoline and has the potential to cause an explosion or fire if used in home heaters or lamps. Inspectors from the Georgia Department of Agriculture discovered the contaminated product on a routine inspection of the store.
 
A “stop-sale” order has been placed on the kerosene pump at the store. The pump will remain closed until the tank and lines have been cleaned and a new shipment has been tested and approved by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.