Can you store petrol or diesel in a warehouse?

Storing petrol or diesel in a warehouse is possible, but it comes with strict safety requirements. Both national legislation and municipal bylaws regulate how these high-risk fuels can be stored, and using compliant equipment isn’t optional – it’s the law.

Why Petrol and Diesel Are High-Risk Fuels

Petrol has a flash point of around -43°C, meaning it releases flammable vapour even at very low temperatures. Diesel’s flash point is higher, but it can still ignite under the right conditions. Improper storage of these fuels can lead to:

• Fires or explosions

• Chemical burns or inhalation hazards

• Damage to equipment or property

• Legal penalties and rejected insurance claims

South African Law on Flammable Liquid Storage

The General Safety Regulations (GSR 4(2)) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act state:

“(2) No employer shall require or permit a flammable liquid to be used or applied other than in a room, cabinet, or other enclosure specially constructed for this purpose of fire-resisting material…”

This means that flammable liquids like petrol and diesel must be stored in fire-resistant cabinets or rooms/stores with proper ventilation, away from other workplaces, and with clear signage.

How Much Petrol and Diesel Can You Store?

The exact limit for storing petrol or diesel depends on your municipality, as local by-laws define maximum quantities without requiring special storage and approvals. Some examples include:

Ekurhuleni Municipality:

• Flammable liquids with flash point ≤ 18°C, i.e Petrol: up to 100 L

• Flammable liquids with flash point 18–23°C, i.e 1-Butanol: up to 420 L

• Flammable liquids with flash point 23–61°C i.e Diesel: up to 1 100 L

eThekweni Municipality:

• Class I flammable liquids, i.e petrol: 200 L

• Classes II and III flammable liquids, i.e diesel: 400 L

• Quantities above these limits require approval and a certificate of registration from the municipal fire department

Note: While a distinction is generally made between flammable liquids and combustible liquids, most municipal by-laws don’t. These limits written above serve only as a guide. Always consult your local municipal by-laws before storing any flammable liquid.

Best Practices for Safe Storage

Even if you’re under the municipal limit, always follow these safety measures:

• Use approved flammable liquid cabinets or stores

• Ensure compliant storage containers are used

• Clearly label all containers with appropriate signage

• Keep the storage area away from ignition sources

You can view our range of flammable cabinets: here
You can view our range of steels stores: here

If you are unsure of what you require, get in touch with us: here