30l limit on filling cans

[lakelandterrier]

Can anyone explain some the logic limiting to fuel bought in cans to a max of just 30l and max of 2 receptacles - even in type approved jerry cans - which are a standard 20l if they are going straight in to a boat tank?

I understand you cannot store more than 30l of petrol at home, but I am not going to store the fuel at home - I'm buying to put it in the boat an a marina.

Made the mistake at pulling on to local large supermarket PFS intending to fill 2 jerrycans only for a lady to come running out shouting at me that I could only put 30l in before I had even touched the pump!

As it was a pay at pump, what do you think would have happened if i had gone over the 30l limit? where they watching ready shut the pump off if I went 0.01l over? I was tempted to see how much I could get in!

I've never had that problem at a smaller convenience store with PFS from the same chain.

Lesson learnt, keep away from the large supermarket PFS forecourts, or use the pay at pump only sites without staff present.

[Fenlander]

Last time I was in the local Tesco I noted two containers max and plastic only 10l each, metal 20l each.

It is a pain having to feel guilty trying to get enough to satisfy such an innocent need as a boat trip out. I've been made to wait before while head office are phoned.

As we don't like to travel a couple of full tanks in the car for our sibbing use it's always a lottery when arriving at a holiday location as to how the local station will play ball.

[beerbelly]

we are lucky our tesco extra staff never really look outside so i can just open the lid on my pick up and fill 3 or 4 quicksilver tanks and i think there 20l each

[Pikey Dave]

It’s very hit & miss. It also varies from PFS to PFS. The law gives maximums under the law, but each individual PFS has a licence granted by the local authority & the licence can stipulate lower than the legal maximum. It’s a nonsense, there’s nothing to stop you from making multiple visits, or visiting different stations in the area.

[willk]

Do the retailers distinguish between random fuel containers and plastic fuel tanks?

[Fenlander]

Quite often managed to get 1x25l and 2x12l filled on a single visit by pointing out they are not cans/containers but actual boat fuel tanks. I don't think I'd have got away with ten 5l standard cans.

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by willk

Do the retailers distinguish between random fuel containers and plastic fuel tanks?

The rules differ between demountable fuel tanks & petrol cans the limit "shouldnt" apply to demountable tanks but filling station staff often cant differentiate between the two

[paulbrown22]

I use the self pay Sainsbury's pumps in the middle of London every week to fill up jerry cans for our club safety boats (and less often for my own Hardy!). Definitely not something they are used to, a Series 1 Land Rover pulling in with one or more cans in the back, but to date I've only ever had one occasion where a member of staff came to check what I was doing and how much I was taking - I often have 2 x 20l jerry cans.

[Fenlander]

>>>the limit "shouldnt" apply to demountable tanks but filling station staff often cant differentiate between the two

If it's a big fuel station I usually put the tanks on the roof of the car then walk in, post them out, and check it's OK to fill my "boat fuel tanks". That courtesy is frequently enough to get them on side.

[lakelandterrier]

Interesting variety of experiences. Does seem like a total lottery.

I've had the problem in the past of trying to fill a 12 or 20l external tank and being refused because it is a "plastic can". PFS staff not able to tell the difference between a 5l plastic can and a fuel tank.

I've found the independent garages more flexible (although a bit more expensive), however in my area they have mostly gone.

[Fenlander]

In truth for a routine day out at our go-to location a single tank does the job and we are comfortable travelling that or buying near the destination. It's holidays where the bulk buy is needed. This year to save the 20min return trip to a fuel station we'll be happy to call in and pay marina prices for the little a 15hp uses.

[spartacus]

Never had an issue, but I tend to fuel at local country garage that also services lawnmowers. I've had a few strange looks fuelling the Zodiac fuel bladder!

[Kristoff]

I used to open the fuel flap of my car and act like I was going to fuel it, nozzle in hand, and then once the pump was activated, open the boot and fill the jerry cans.

Now I drive an EV, I can't really do that anymore. The local garage where I go boating is an independent though and most of the people going there are filling boat tanks up so its not much of issue.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Kristoff

Now I drive an EV, I can't really do that anymore.

Why not? Is that a level of Deception that even you would not stoop to?

If they're too thick to spot the Tank in the Boot, an open power jack flap should fox 'em!

[Wightdiver]

Use the furthest pump from the kiosk and cannot see what you are filling!

[Orwell boy]

Interesting variety of answers ,I have had the pump switched off on me when I have had the nozzle in my inbuilt 140 litre tank ,I have even been refused putting diesel in a can for a pressure washer heater
As an interesting aside ,when travelling on business in Texas some years ago I asked my customer where the "barrel" designation used in oil markets deprived from .He told me that the designation of 42 us gallons dated back to when open topped 50 gallon drums were transported on pick up trucks across oil fields ,42 us gallons was an average of what was left in the barrels
Maybe there's some truth ,how the world has changed

[paulbrown22]

Originally Posted by Wightdiver

Use the furthest pump from the kiosk and cannot see what you are filling!

Most stations these days have cameras for just such occasions?!

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by paulbrown22

Most stations these days have cameras for just such occasions?!

Smile and look nonchalant, you’re literally buying petrol, not about to do a heist.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Orwell boy

42 us gallons was an average of what was left in the barrels
Maybe there's some truth ,how the world has changed

The petro delivery chain peeps here now regard 4 litres as the threshold for a 'reportable spill' requiring a full clean-up and environmental impact analysis. My delivery guys say that the vast majority of spills (i.e. all of them unless the lorry splits open) are 'less than 3 litres'

[Johno99]

I was in my local Tescos recently, I proceeded to fill 2 5litre and 1 10 litre container. Young lady came over ( I was on the furthest pump so must of spotted me with cctv) and said I was only allowed 30 litres, I said well these are only 20 litres. She went away and came straight back and said I could only fill 2 containers, I said okay I’ll fill the 10 and a 5. Then the pump stopped. I was in a good mood so I said okay can you turn the pump back on so I can fill the car? The answer was no. I drove out and came back into a different pump and filled the car. I went to another garage and filled the other container.