Petrol Strike - Panic Buying

29 March 2012

A Government Minister who has told drivers to hoard petrol at home has not only angered fire chiefs by putting lives and property at risk, but has not reminded consumers regarding the law of doing so.  Storage of fuel at home or the workplace (unless specifically licensed) is restricted by law to either metal containers or approved plastic containers. These containers should be designed for the purpose and must be fitted with a screw cap or closure to prevent leakage of liquid or vapour. Petrol and diesel fuel should be stored in no more than two 10 litre (2 gallons) metal containers or two 5 litre (1 gallon) plastic containers. They should be clearly labelled as to their contents.

Petrol filling stations operate under licensed conditions, which do not allow drivers to dispense fuel into other types of container.

At home, fuel containers must not be stored in living accommodation such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms or under staircases. Any storage place should be well away from living areas in case of fire and it should be secured, to protect against the possibility of vandalism or arson.

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