RAC Warns: Don’t Hoard Petrol at Home Amid Fuel Crisis
Reports of drivers filling random containers and plastic bottles during the fuel delivery chaos have sparked a fresh warning from the RAC. While the law permits storing up to 30 litres of petrol at home without a licence, the motoring group urges caution. Stockpiling now only worsens shortages and risks safety for everyone.
What You Need to Know About Storing Fuel Legally and Safely
- Legal limits: You can keep up to 30 litres of petrol at home without a licence. There’s no clear law on storing diesel domestically.
- Use proper containers: Only store petrol in containers specifically designed for it, with tight-fitting caps. You may store up to 10 litres in plastic, 20 litres in metal jerry cans, or 30 litres in demountable fuel tanks like those from small boats.
- Storage location: Always keep fuel in a cool, well-ventilated, secure outbuilding away from ignition sources—think sheds or garages, not inside your home or garden shed.
- Child safety: Keep fuel locked away and out of reach of children and pets at all times.
- Diesel precautions: Although less flammable, diesel should be handled with similar care.
Fuel Shelf-Life and Risks of Stockpiling
Petrol lasts about six months in sealed containers kept at 20°C, but this drops to three months at 30°C. Heat speeds up degradation, and contamination worsens it further. The RAC stresses that possession is legal, but hoarding fuel during crises isn’t wise.
“Just because it’s legal to store up to 30 litres of petrol at home, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do when so many drivers have been struggling to get the fuel they need,” said RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams. “Those who need to should follow the law carefully to keep themselves, their families and neighbours safe.”
For detailed storage advice, visit RAC Fuel Storage Tips.
Save Fuel With Smart Driving Tips
With drivers hunting forecourt to forecourt for petrol and diesel, making every drop count is crucial. Here’s how to get the most from your tank:
- Light right foot: Accelerate and brake gently. Use the highest gear you can in manual cars to keep engine revs low and save fuel.
- Maintain momentum: Avoid unnecessary stops. Anticipate traffic lights and slow smoothly to potentially avoid stopping altogether—good for your MPG and keeps you moving.
- Combine journeys: Cold engines guzzle more fuel. Bundle trips into one longer journey instead of many short ones to boost efficiency.
For more fuel-saving driving tips, check out RAC Fuel Efficiency Advice.
Williams added: “Recent events have highlighted our reliance on cars for work, shopping, healthcare and seeing loved ones. While we hope the worst of the fuel delivery problems are behind us, it’s vital to know how to conserve fuel — and save money — whether in crisis or normal times.”
