Albuquerque ConocoPhillips C-stores Ask for Cash Only

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Customers looking to purchase items at several co-branded ConocoPhillips/Circle K stores in New Mexico's largest city need to bring cash.

The stores, run by K&G Petroleum/PCF Saleco posted "cash only" signs at the pump and on store windows, reported the Albuquerque Journal. The newspaper added that several stores ran out of gas, according to store employees and customers.

"They had us close off all our debit and credit machines, an employee at the 6591 San Antonio NE convenience store told the news outlet."We are as curious as you are."

K&G Petroleum/PCF Saleco operates 78 retail stores in New Mexico, Kansas, Utah and Missouri. The company's Kansas-based Phillips 66-branded c-stores faced similar problems earlier this week, where it also stopped selling fuel there. However, fuel is again available at those locations, state media reports.

According to WDAF-TV in Kansas City, Mo., PCF Saleco ceased the fuel sales in Kansas due to "financial troubles." Alissa Hicks with Phillips 66 confirmed that fact to the television station in its report.

It is unknown when gas will again be sold at the Albuquerque locations. However, the changes are not expected to be permanent. Yesterday, a K&G Petroleum/PCF Saleco representative e-mailed the Journal asking its circulation department to "please discontinue service/deliveries [of newspapers] to our locations" until some issues had been worked out, the newspaper reported.

K&G Petroleum/PCDF Saleco did not return the newspaper's request for comment.