Storing Petrol and Diesel Safely at Home

Keeping fuel at home can be useful for generators, lawnmowers, garden machinery and emergency equipment. However, petrol and diesel can create serious fire, explosion, health and environmental risks when they are stored or handled incorrectly.

Petrol is especially hazardous because it gives off highly flammable vapour at normal temperatures. This vapour can travel along floors and ignite when it reaches a flame, spark, electrical appliance or hot surface.

Diesel is less volatile than petrol, but it is still combustible. A leaking diesel container can create a fire hazard, damage property and contaminate soil, drains and watercourses.

Fuel should only be stored when genuinely necessary, in suitable containers and in a secure, well-ventilated location away from living accommodation and ignition sources.

This guide explains how to store petrol and diesel safely at home, the domestic petrol-storage limits that apply in the UK and the precautions required when keeping fuel for a petrol generator or diesel generator.

Why Fuel Storage Requires Care

Petrol and diesel are designed to release energy when burned. That makes them useful fuels, but it also means they must be kept away from anything capable of causing ignition.

Unsafe fuel storage can result in:

Fire
Explosion
Serious burns
Poisonous smoke
Property damage
Soil contamination
Pollution of drains and watercourses
Danger to firefighters and emergency responders

Petrol vapour is heavier than air and may collect in low areas. A leaking container in a garage or shed can therefore create a flammable atmosphere even when no liquid fuel is immediately visible.

Empty petrol containers must also be treated carefully because flammable vapour may remain inside them.

How Much Petrol Can You Store at Home?

At domestic and other non-workplace premises, you can generally store up to 30 litres of petrol without notifying your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority.

The petrol may be kept in:

Suitable portable plastic containers
Suitable portable metal containers
One demountable fuel tank
A combination of permitted containers, provided the total does not exceed 30 litres

Petrol already contained within the normal fuel tank of a vehicle, boat or aircraft does not count towards this domestic storage total.

The 30-litre allowance applies to the premises as a whole rather than separately to each person living there.

Storing Between 30 and 275 Litres of Petrol

To store more than 30 litres but no more than 275 litres of petrol at a domestic or other non-workplace premises, you must notify your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority in writing.

The notification should include:

Your name as the occupier
The address of the premises
The location at which the petrol will be stored

The petrol must still be kept in suitable portable containers, demountable fuel tanks or an approved combination of the two.

Notification is not the same as receiving permission to ignore normal storage precautions. The storage location and containers must continue to meet the applicable requirements.

Storing More Than 275 Litres of Petrol

Storing more than 275 litres of petrol at domestic or other non-workplace premises requires a licence from the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority.

The licence may include conditions covering:

The maximum amount stored
The approved storage location
The type of containers or tanks used
Fire precautions
Ventilation
Dispensing arrangements

A domestic user planning to store this quantity should contact the Petroleum Enforcement Authority before purchasing fuel or installing storage equipment.

What Petrol Containers Are Allowed?

Petrol must only be stored in containers that are suitable for that purpose.

UK domestic-storage rules permit:

Suitable plastic portable containers holding up to 10 litres each
Suitable metal portable containers holding up to 20 litres each
A demountable fuel tank holding up to 30 litres

UN-approved fuel containers are one example of containers designed to meet recognised requirements.

A suitable petrol container should be:

Designed and manufactured for petrol
Strong enough for normal handling and transport
Securely closable
Leak resistant
Clearly labelled
In good condition

Do not store petrol in milk bottles, drinks containers, household cleaning bottles, buckets or other improvised vessels.

An unsuitable container may leak, soften, split or be mistaken for something safe to drink.

Can Petrol Be Stored in a Jerry Can?

Petrol can be stored in a jerry can when the container is specifically designed and approved for petrol and does not exceed the permitted capacity.

Metal jerry cans commonly hold 20 litres, which is within the maximum permitted capacity for a suitable portable metal container.

Check the cap, seal and body before every use. Do not continue using a container that is badly corroded, swollen, cracked, dented around the closure or leaking.

Where Should Petrol Be Stored?

Petrol must not be stored within living accommodation.

It should be kept in a suitable location such as:

A secure detached garage
A suitably ventilated outbuilding
A secure fuel-storage cabinet designed for flammable liquids
An appropriate outdoor storage area protected against unauthorised access

Where the storage place is not in the open air, it should have a direct exit to open air and ventilation leading to that exit.

The storage location should be:

Cool
Dry
Well ventilated
Out of direct sunlight
Secure against children and unauthorised access
Away from drains and watercourses
Away from combustible materials
Away from sources of heat and ignition

Can Petrol Be Stored Inside the House?

No. Petrol should not be stored inside a house, flat or any other area used as living accommodation.

Unsuitable locations include:

Kitchens
Utility rooms
Hallways
Under stairs
Bedrooms
Lofts
Cellars connected to living areas
Domestic cupboards

A leaking container could allow flammable vapour to spread throughout the building and reach electrical switches, boilers, cookers or other ignition sources.

Can Petrol Be Stored in a Garage?

Petrol may be stored in a suitable garage when the storage arrangement meets the applicable requirements.

The garage should have adequate ventilation and a direct exit to open air. Petrol should be positioned away from:

Boilers
Electrical equipment capable of sparking
Battery chargers
Welders
Tumble dryers
Freezers and refrigerators
Hot exhaust systems
Naked flames

Local authorities may provide additional guidance concerning integral garages or storage areas attached to residential buildings. Contact the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority where the suitability of the location is uncertain.

Can Petrol Be Stored in a Garden Shed?

A suitable detached and ventilated shed may provide a safer location than living accommodation, but the shed must still be assessed carefully.

Avoid storing petrol in a shed that:

Contains electrical equipment that may spark
Contains a heater or open flame
Becomes extremely hot in direct sunlight
Has no ventilation
Is easily accessible to children
Contains large quantities of combustible material
Is in poor condition or insecure

Petrol containers should remain upright and should be protected against being struck, crushed or knocked over.

What Are Common Petrol Ignition Sources?

Petrol and its vapour must be kept away from anything capable of producing heat, flame or a spark.

Possible ignition sources include:

Smoking materials
Matches and lighters
Boilers and pilot lights
Space heaters
Welders and grinders
Battery chargers
Electrical switches
Damaged electrical wiring
Vehicle exhaust systems
Static electricity
Barbecues and fire pits

Do not switch electrical equipment on or off where a petrol leak or strong petrol smell is present, as the switching action may create a spark.

How Much Diesel Can You Store at Home?

The specific domestic 30-litre notification threshold applying to petrol does not apply to diesel in the same way.

However, diesel must still be stored responsibly. The rules depend on the amount, the type of container, whether it is kept in a portable can or fixed tank and where in the UK the property is located.

In England, a new or replacement fixed domestic oil tank will normally need to comply with building regulations. A home storage container capable of holding 3,501 litres or more is subject to the oil-storage rules applying to businesses.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own oil-storage and building requirements. Anyone installing a fixed diesel tank should obtain advice applicable to their location before work begins.

How Should Small Amounts of Diesel Be Stored?

Small quantities of diesel for a portable generator should be stored in containers specifically designed for diesel fuel.

The containers should be:

Strong and fuel resistant
Securely closed
Clearly identified as containing diesel
Kept upright
Protected against impact
Checked regularly for leaks

Diesel should not be stored in food or drink containers, even temporarily.

Keep the containers in a secure, cool and ventilated location away from living accommodation, ignition sources, drains and surface water.

Installing a Domestic Diesel Storage Tank

A fixed tank used to store diesel or heating oil requires more planning than a portable fuel container.

The installation may need to consider:

Building regulations
Distance from buildings and boundaries
Fire-resistant barriers
Tank base and structural support
Protection against vehicle impact
Secondary containment or bunding
Distance from drains and watercourses
Access for fuel delivery
Safe venting and filling

A new domestic oil tank should be installed by a suitably competent installer who can assess the location and applicable requirements.

What Is a Bunded Fuel Tank?

A bunded tank has secondary containment designed to retain leaking fuel if the inner tank fails.

For domestic oil storage in England, a bund may be required depending on the tank capacity and the environmental risks at the location.

Where required, the secondary containment should generally be capable of holding at least 110% of the tank’s capacity.

Bunding is particularly important where a leak could reach:

A drain
A stream or river
A lake or pond
Coastal water
A well, borehole or spring
Permeable or contaminated ground

A bund should be kept clear of rubbish and should not be allowed to fill with rainwater unless the system has an approved method of managing it.

How Long Can Petrol Be Stored?

Petrol begins to deteriorate during storage. Volatile components can evaporate and deposits may form within fuel systems.

Stale petrol can cause:

Difficult starting
Uneven engine operation
Blocked carburettor jets
Reduced performance
Fuel-system deposits

Storage life varies according to fuel composition, container condition, temperature and exposure to air.

Do not keep petrol indefinitely. Buy only the amount you are likely to use and follow the generator and fuel-container manufacturers’ recommendations.

How Long Can Diesel Be Stored?

Diesel generally stores for longer than petrol, but it can still deteriorate.

Stored diesel may be affected by:

Water contamination
Condensation
Microbial growth
Oxidation
Sediment
Blocked fuel filters

Keep diesel containers sealed and inspect the fuel before using it after a long storage period.

Larger storage tanks may require routine water removal, fuel testing and professional cleaning.

Should Fuel Containers Be Completely Full?

Fuel expands when it becomes warm. A portable container should not be overfilled.

Leave the amount of expansion space specified by the container manufacturer and never exceed the marked filling limit.

Containers should be filled on the ground rather than while held inside a vehicle. Secure the cap immediately after filling and wipe away any external contamination before transport.

How Should Fuel Be Transported Home?

Fuel must be transported in suitable, securely closed containers.

Before travelling:

Check that each cap is secure
Keep containers upright
Prevent containers from sliding or tipping
Protect them against impact
Keep the journey as short as reasonably possible
Unload the fuel promptly on arrival

Do not leave fuel containers inside a parked vehicle, particularly in hot weather.

Petrol carried in a vehicle counts towards the total stored at the non-workplace premises. Domestic users may carry up to 30 litres in a maximum of two suitable petrol containers under the relevant petrol-storage provisions.

How to Refuel a Generator Safely

A generator should normally be switched off and allowed to cool before it is refuelled.

Use the following procedure:

Switch off or disconnect the electrical load where practical.
Stop the generator.
Allow the engine and exhaust to cool.
Move fuel containers into the open air.
Check that there are no flames, sparks or smoking materials nearby.
Open the fuel cap carefully.
Use a suitable funnel or pouring spout.
Do not overfill the generator tank.
Secure the cap.
Clean up any spilled fuel before restarting.

Never refuel a hot or running generator. Fuel spilled onto an exhaust or engine component could ignite immediately.

Should a Generator Be Filled in a Garage or Shed?

Portable generators and garden machinery should be refuelled outdoors, away from buildings and ignition sources.

Refuelling inside a garage or shed can allow petrol vapour to accumulate and increases the risk of spills reaching electrical equipment.

Do not start the generator in the storage area after refuelling. All engine-driven generators produce carbon monoxide and must be operated outdoors.

Can Fuel Be Stored Inside the Generator?

Fuel left in the generator’s built-in tank presents many of the same risks as fuel stored in a portable container.

Before storing a generator, consult its operating instructions. The manufacturer may recommend:

Draining the fuel system
Running the carburettor dry
Using a suitable fuel stabiliser
Closing the fuel valve
Filling the tank to a specified level

The correct process varies between generators.

A fuelled generator should not be stored within living accommodation, and it must be completely cool before being moved into storage.

Storing Fuel for an Inverter Generator

Most portable inverter generators use petrol, so the same petrol-storage limits and precautions apply.

Their compact size can make it tempting to store them inside a house, caravan or office. This should be avoided when fuel remains in the machine or fuel vapour may be present.

Store the generator according to its manual in a secure, ventilated location away from flames, sparks and occupied rooms.

Storing Fuel for an Open-Frame Generator

An open-frame generator commonly has a relatively large built-in fuel tank.

Before storing it:

Allow the engine and exhaust to cool completely
Close the fuel valve where fitted
Check the tank, hose and carburettor for leaks
Clean up fuel or oil contamination
Follow the manufacturer’s long-term storage procedure
Keep it away from ignition sources

The fuel contained in a generator tank may count towards the amount stored at the premises when it is not part of a vehicle’s normal fuel tank.

Storing Fuel for a Silent Generator

A silent generator may conceal its tank, fuel pipes and engine behind an acoustic enclosure.

Regularly inspect the machine for:

Fuel smells
Wet areas beneath the enclosure
Damaged hoses
Loose filters
Corrosion
Blocked drains or ventilation openings

A fuel leak inside an enclosure may not be immediately visible. Do not operate the generator if fuel leakage is suspected.

Storing Fuel for a Three-Phase Generator

Larger three-phase generators often use diesel and may include a large integrated or separate fuel tank.

These installations may be subject to building, fire-safety and environmental requirements beyond those applying to a small portable generator.

Tank installation, fuel transfer and dispensing equipment should be designed by competent professionals.

Can Petrol and Diesel Be Stored Together?

Petrol and diesel may sometimes be kept within the same properly designed fuel-storage area, but they should remain in separate, clearly labelled containers.

The area must be suitable for the more hazardous fuel, which will normally be petrol.

Do not rely solely on container colour. Always read the label before filling a generator or other machine.

Petrol accidentally added to a diesel engine, or diesel added to a petrol engine, can cause serious fuel-system and engine damage.

Keep Fuel Away From Children

Fuel must be stored where children cannot reach or interfere with it.

Use a secure storage location and never transfer fuel into a bottle or container that could be mistaken for a drink.

Fuel-storage cabinets should be secured, but they must still provide any ventilation required by their design.

What to Do If You Smell Petrol

A strong petrol smell may indicate a leaking container, an insecure cap or spilled fuel.

If petrol fumes are detected:

Keep people away from the area.
Do not smoke or use naked flames.
Do not operate electrical switches or equipment.
Ventilate the area to open air where this can be done safely.
Identify the source without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
Call the fire and rescue service if there is an immediate fire or explosion risk.

Do not use a vacuum cleaner or ordinary electrical fan to collect or disperse spilled petrol.

What to Do If Fuel Is Spilled

Small spills should be prevented from reaching drains, soil and water.

Keep ignition sources away and use a suitable fuel-spill kit where it is safe to do so.

For a significant spill:

Keep people away
Do not start engines or electrical equipment nearby
Prevent the fuel spreading when this can be done safely
Contact the fire and rescue service if there is a fire or explosion risk
Contact the relevant environmental authority if water or land may be polluted
Inform your insurer where property has been affected

Do not wash fuel into a drain with water.

How Should Old Petrol or Diesel Be Disposed Of?

Old, contaminated or mixed fuel should not be poured onto the ground, into household drains or into surface-water systems.

Contact your local authority or household waste recycling centre to establish whether it accepts waste fuel and what arrangements apply.

Do not mix petrol, diesel, engine oil or other chemicals unless instructed by an authorised waste facility.

Transport waste fuel in suitable, securely closed and correctly identified containers.

Should Fire Extinguishers Be Kept Near Stored Fuel?

A suitable fire extinguisher may form part of a broader fire-safety plan, but it does not make an unsuitable storage arrangement acceptable.

Fuel fires can spread rapidly. The priority should be to raise the alarm, evacuate and call the fire and rescue service.

Only attempt to use an extinguisher when:

You have been trained
The fire is very small
You have a clear escape route
The extinguisher is suitable for the type of fire
You are not exposed to smoke or explosion risk

Never place yourself between a fuel fire and your escape route.

Does Home Insurance Cover Stored Fuel?

Insurance policies may include conditions or limits concerning flammable liquids, outbuildings and fuel-storage tanks.

Keeping a significant quantity of fuel without informing the insurer could affect a future claim.

Check your policy and contact the insurer before installing a tank or storing more fuel than would normally be kept for occasional domestic use.

Petrol and Diesel Storage Checklist

Store only the amount you genuinely need
Use containers specifically designed for the fuel
Keep every container securely closed
Clearly label petrol and diesel containers
Keep containers upright
Never store petrol inside living accommodation
Use a secure and well-ventilated storage location
Keep fuel away from children
Keep it away from flames, sparks and hot surfaces
Protect it from direct sunlight and excessive heat
Inspect containers and tanks regularly for leaks
Keep fuel away from drains and watercourses
Do not overfill containers
Refuel generators outdoors
Allow the generator to cool before refuelling
Dispose of unwanted fuel through an authorised facility

When Should You Contact the Petroleum Enforcement Authority?

Contact your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority when:

You intend to store more than 30 litres of petrol
You are uncertain whether the proposed storage location is suitable
You want to store more than 275 litres
You plan to install petrol-dispensing equipment
The use of the premises changes
You need clarification about an integral garage or outbuilding

In much of England, Scotland and Wales the relevant authority will be the local council. In certain metropolitan areas, it may be the fire and rescue authority.

Conclusion

Petrol and diesel can be stored at home, but only when suitable containers, locations and handling procedures are used.

Up to 30 litres of petrol can generally be kept at domestic or other non-workplace premises without notifying the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority. Storing more than 30 litres and up to 275 litres requires written notification, while storing more than 275 litres requires a licence.

Petrol must not be stored within living accommodation. Keep it in suitable containers within a cool, secure and well-ventilated location away from flames, sparks, electrical equipment and hot surfaces.

Diesel is less volatile but can still cause fire and serious environmental pollution. Portable diesel containers must be suitable for fuel, while fixed domestic tanks should be installed in accordance with the building and environmental requirements applying in the relevant part of the UK.

Never refuel a hot or running generator. Stop the engine, allow it to cool and refuel outdoors away from buildings and ignition sources.

Where larger quantities are required, or the suitability of the proposed storage area is uncertain, contact the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority, building control service or a competent fuel-storage installer before proceeding.