Information on Loughborough

Dont Stockpile Petrol!

Posted on 17/06/2008
P. Klein

stock pile of petrol in cans

With talks of a petrol strike imminent Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards are warning motorists not to panic and stockpile petrol to see them though any shortages at the pumps.

The storage of petrol is licensed and regulated by the Trading Standards Service. Strict limits are in place about how much petrol can be stored and where. In a building attached to a home or public place then it is illegal to store more than 20 litres of petrol. This must be stored in 10 litre metal petrol containers. If plastic containers are used no more than 10 litres can be stored and only two 5 litre petrol containers. The containers used must be specifically designed to store petrol in and be marked that they contain petroleum and that its highly flammable.

Any petrol that is stored must not be for resale but only be intended for refuelling purposes.

Dave Bull, Head of Trading Standards for Leicestershire County Council said “Many people will be anxious about potential fuel shortages however to store fuel in preparation for this is highly dangerous and potentially illegal. The storage of petrol is strictly regulated as it is a very dangerous highly flammable substance. I would strongly urge motorists not to panic and risk the safety of themselves and their families by storing fuel illegally.”

If any member of the public wishes to report concerns about illegal storage of fuel they should contact the Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.