Fuel hoarders warned of dangers

Don't hoard petrol without following the correct guidelines.

People are being warned against stockpiling fuel at home as petrol pump prices hit a five-year low.

Z Energy health, safety, security and environment manager Julie Rea feared that with fuel prices 47 cents cheaper per litre than three months ago, a number of customers had been considering filling up containers and storing them at home.

"Worryingly, we have seen a few customers trying to fill fuel into containers such as soft drink bottles. But using an unapproved fuel container is not only illegal, it's highly dangerous and can put your entire household at risk."

Te Puke burns survivor Don Bayliss, who felt lucky to be alive after a petrol can exploded in the back of his ute and set him on fire, said storing petrol was "not a good idea."

His accident happened a year ago and he believed it was important not to leave petrol in the boot and to check containers were up to standard.

"Mine did not have the proper seal on it and, after being in the sun for a couple of days, the vapour escaped. It blew out the back window of my truck into the neighbouring section and the sheer force force threw me, out of my seat into the passengers."

Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty provincial vice-president John Scrimgeour said he had not heard of farmers squirrelling away supplies. However, they liked a bargain and tended to shop around, taking advantage of petrol discounts from farming supply stores.

Hairini motorist Rose Gordon won't be doing any squirrelling. She said she liked the convenience of filling up at Pak'n Save on Cameron Rd and getting a cut price on fuel, but still watched her petrol use.

"It limits where where I am going, because you think: how much is it going to cost? But I can't do much about it, the prices are out of my control."

Don't ...

* Use containers that are not approved for storing fuel

* Fill containers on the back of a truck deck, trailer, utility vehicle or in car boots as there is a risk of an explosion from a build-up of static electricity.

* Leave containers in the back of a car as the container will get pressurised as the petrol heats up

* Store more than 50 litres without the relevant certifications

* Store for more than three months - petrol is not suitable for long-term storage