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Topics: Petrol

Introduction:

Petrol is a highly flammable liquid which, when improperly stored, poses a risk to you, people nearby and the emergency services if there is a fire.

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Key Issues:

  • Storage

    What is the limit of the amount of petrol I can store for domestic use?

    The Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles etc.) Regulations 1929 and the Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982 limit the amount of petrol that can be kept in a domestic garage or within six metres of a building (e.g. most domestic driveways). The limit is a maximum of two suitable metal containers each of a maximum capacity of ten litres or two plastic containers (which have to be of an approved design) each of a maximum capacity of five litres. These limits also apply to any containers kept in a vehicle parked in the garage or on the driveway (but not to the internal fuel tank of the vehicle). Under no circumstances should the petrol containers be stored in the home itself.

    What about larger quantities?

    Anyone who wishes to store larger quantities than this, or use larger containers, is required to notify the local Petroleum Licensing Authority (PLA) and to store the petrol in a prescribed manner set out in the 1929 Regulations mentioned above - enquirers who want further details should contact their local PLA. Storage of more than 275 litres (60 gallons) of petrol requires a petrol licence - again, contact the local PLA.

  • Further Advice

    For advice on petroleum related matters please contact the Petroleum Licensing Officer of your local District Council.

    District Council Contact Tel No
    Antrim 028 9446 3113
    Ards 028 9182 4000
    Armagh 028 3752 9600
    Ballymena 028 2566 0300
    Ballymoney 028 2766 2280
    Banbridge 028 4066 0600
    Belfast 028 9032 0202
    Carrickfergus 028 9335 1604
    Castlereagh 028 9049 4500
    Coleraine 028 7035 2181
    Cookstown 028 8676 3441
    Craigavon 028 3831 2400
    Derry 028 7136 5151
    Down 028 4461 0800
    Dungannon 028 8772 5311
    Fermanagh 028 6632 5050
    Larne 028 2827 2313
    Limavady 028 7776 0302
    Lisburn 028 9250 9250
    Magherafelt 028 7939 7979
    Moyle 028 2076 2225
    Newry 028 3031 3031
    Newtownabbey 028 9034 0000
    North Down 028 9127 0371
    Omagh 028 8224 5321
    Strabane 028 7138 2204

Key Legislation