Storage of petrol

Published06 January 2023

Last updated07 August 2023

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

Fire caused by the accidental ignition of petrol vapour

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