May 10: Publix's BP Deal Turns Oily

By Sylvia Gurinsky

This is lousy timing: Early in April, Publix Supermarkets began offering discounts on gift cards for BP gasoline. No different from many of the deals Publix offers.

Then came the worst Earth Day ever.

April 20 was the day British Petroleum's Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico exploded, apparently killing 11 people and starting an oil spill that, at least so far, has no end in sight.

The Miami Herald and other publications have been chronicling how BP and other oil companies have not kept up safety standards in their operation and maintenance of oil rigs. The articles state that Big Oil has had a partner in their "Drill, Baby, Drill" operations - the federal government.

Meanwhile, BP is facing lawsuits in various corners for this disaster. And at the end of the current weekly ad, Publix advertises a discount on a BP gas card.

For more than 75 years, Publix has been successful by being a smart and good corporate citizen. Holding on to a business deal with BP at this time is the opposite of that.

BP's got some cleanup to do - and not just in the gulf. Until it does, Publix should put an end to this deal, which has suddenly turned oily.