South Africans are being urged to think twice before stockpiling large quantities of petrol at their residences amid fluctuating fuel prices and concerns over global supply chains.
The South African Insurance Association has issued a public warning highlighting the dangers of storing excess fuel in homes, particularly in unsafe containers. Technical expert Mosidi Shomang emphasised that such practices pose serious fire hazards, health risks and potential insurance complications.
According to Shomang, petrol is classified as a dangerous good due to its high flammability. It can ignite easily and cause fires to spread rapidly. Additionally, petrol fumes present health dangers, especially to children and others living in the household, as they can be toxic when inhaled in confined spaces.
Municipal regulations strictly limit the amount of fuel that can be stored at residential properties. In most cases, municipalities permit only about 20 to 25 litres, intended for uses such as lawnmowers or generators. Residents are advised to check specific bylaws with their local municipality, as limits and enforcement vary by area. Any storage must also use South African National Standard-approved containers, and even legal quantities require proper ventilation, clear marking and access to fire extinguishers.
Shomang pointed out that exceeding these limits or storing fuel improperly can lead to non-compliance with fire safety and hazardous substances regulations. In the event of a house fire, insurance claims may be declined if investigations reveal unauthorised quantities of petrol or the use of unapproved containers. Insurers underwrite policies based on standard residential risks; hoarding fuel alters the risk profile of the property, potentially rendering the policy null and void for related claims.
Beyond immediate safety concerns, environmental risks are significant. Petrol spills can contaminate soil, gardens and waterways, requiring specialist cleanup similar to incidents involving tanker accidents.
Shomang noted that while the association is not yet seeing a surge in related claims, it is proactively raising awareness based on known fire incidents linked to petrol. The goal is to prevent problems before they occur, rather than reacting after incidents.
The warning comes as some residents consider bulk storage for backup during potential disruptions, including past experiences with load shedding that increased generator use. However, authorities stress that convenience does not outweigh the combined legal, safety, health and financial risks.
Residents with questions about permissible storage are encouraged to contact their local municipality for guidance on bylaws and approved practices. The association advises against any hoarding that could endanger households or invalidate insurance coverage.