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Storage of petrol

Do not store petrol at home unless you have to, if you do STORE IT SAFELY

Petrol is a dangerous substance, it is a highly flammable liquid that gives off vapours that can be easily ignited. Any leak of petrol can lead to a serious fire and/or explosion, particularly if the leak occurs within a building.

Petrol must be stored in suitable portable containers and only in specific locations. 


Heads Up

This case from our Heads Up website the potential consequences from the incorrect storage of Petrol


Petroleum Regulations

The storage of petrol is covered by the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014.

Common storage arrangements

  • Petrol must not be stored in living accommodation
  • The storage place must have a direct exit to open air and ventilation
  • You must take reasonable precautions to prevent any ignition sources or excessive heat in the storage place
  • Where the storage place is attached to a building, e.g. an integral garage, it must be provided with fire separation from the remainder of the building
  • You should not use petrol in the storage place except in the fuel tank of an internal combustion engine or in quantities less than 150 millilitres for cleaning purposes

Maximum storage quantities

  • You can store up to a maximum of 30 litres of petrol (in addition to the petrol contained in the fuel tank of your vehicle)
  • Plastic petrol containers up to 10 litres capacity
  • Metal petrol containers up to 20 litres capacity
  • One demountable fuel tank up to 30 litres capacity  

Petroleum Safety Information Sheets

We have created a series of information sheets to help explain your responsibilities in more detail.

Our information sheets cover a range of different topics. Please read all those which apply to you. 

Contact us

For more information on this or any other petroleum related matter please contact 

Community Safety

Eastbourne Community Fire StationWhitley RoadEastbourneEast SussexBN22 8LA

Tel: 0800 177 7069

Email: homefire.safetyvisits@esfrs.org