Fuel shortages: Drivers urged not to store petrol over jerry can explosion fears

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Forecourts across the UK have seen panic buying from worried drivers over the ongoing issues with fuel supplies and HGV operators. Some drivers have been seen panic buying, most of which using larger jerry cans, and some taking the step to fill plastic bottles with petrol.

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The National Fire Chiefs Council warned drivers not to panic buy or store fuel as it can create a fire hazard.

They advise against storing fuel in a car, the workplace or at home because of the risks posed due to its highly flammable and combustible nature.

This can cause a serious risk of injury, loss of life and damage to not only people's properties but to others in the vicinity.

As well as causing a fire risk, the vapour can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and exposure to high concentrations, particularly in confined spaces, can cause dizziness and unconsciousness.

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The law also clearly states only 30 litres of petrol can be stored at home or at non workplace premises – without having to inform the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).

If drivers are doing this, it is a legal requirement to notify your local PEA in writing, giving your name and address of storage location.

The legislation allows drivers to store up to 10 litres in plastic containers, up to 20 litres in metal containers and up to 30 litres in a demountable fuel tank.

Retired firefighter Steve Dudeney posted on Twitter about his experiences with the hazards of having petrol stored in the boot of cars.

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He wrote: "This is a photo from an incident I attended 12 years ago.

"The man driving the car had filled some petrol containers up and placed them in the boot.

"The escaping petrol vapour met an ignition source in his car, this was the result.

"Panic buyers beware!!

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"He was still alive but badly burned when I arrived, airlifted to a burns unit, I never heard if he survived."

Along with the tweet, he shared a picture of a very badly burned car surrounded by countless ambulances and fire engines.

This comes as some wholesalers have also seen shortages and potential panic buying of jerry cans.

Karl Baxter, CEO of Wholesale Clearance UK, said: "Before the crisis, our stock of jerry cans sold at a steady pace, but over the weekend, we sold out in record time.

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"On Friday, I had 5,000 jerry cans being sold for £3.50 each which we sold in job lots of 12 - we’re now completely sold out!

"Bear in mind, these items had been listed for months without much interest.

"While we did have a few retailers purchase job lot's, most of these sold under request as singular purchases.

"Even if we wanted to, we would not be able to source further supply of jerry cans until at least three months.

"It is likely that this could be creating a jerry can shortage, too!

"After selling out, we currently have no further plans to source and supply jerry cans until the situation regarding petrol has returned to normal to discourage panic buying."