Thousands of drivers caught out by obscure rule at petrol and diesel pumps as Tesco issues fuel station warning
THOUSANDS of drivers across the UK risk being caught out by an obscure rule at the pumps – in a warning by supermarket giants Tesco.
Motorists are being urged to abide by a new “maximum limit” rule that’s coming to petrol stations – supposedly limiting how much fuel people can store at home, according to the Birmingham Mail.
They claim Tesco has placed strict new rules that now permit customers to fill only two portable containers for every visit – with a maximum combined capacity of 30 litres.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Under the Petroleum Consolidation Regulations, we are required to have a policy in place to ensure the safe use of portable fuel containers at our petrol stations.
“Our policy is that only two portable containers (with a maximum combined capacity of 30 litres) may be filled on each visit by a customer.”
What’s more, the containers must be marked with labels such as ‘PETROL’ and ‘HIGHLY FLAMMABLE’.
They must also include a hazard warning sign, and display their capacity in litres.
The spokesperson added: “The maximum amount that can be legally stored by a private individual, without formally notifying the Petroleum Enforcement Authority, is 30 litres.”
Tesco’s official website also states: “Only authorised plastic or metal containers can be used. The maximum capacity for a plastic container is 10 litres. The maximum capacity for a metal container is 20 litres.
“Petrol containers should be marked or labelled with the words: ‘PETROL’ and ‘HIGHLY FLAMMABLE’, a hazard warning sign and the capacity in litres. They should also have the manufacturer’s name and the date and month of manufacture.
“Customers can fill a maximum of 2 containers of petrol. The maximum amount that can be legally stored by a private individual, without formally notifying the Petroleum Enforcement Authority is 30 litres.”
This comes as Brit drivers were told to urgently check their cars after fuel was ‘contaminated’ at a BP garage.
Experts have revealed the key signs to look out for if motorists think they have used dodgy petrol.
Experts said that one of the most common signs is involuntary speed fluctuations and failure to start.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco told GB News: “Fuel contamination can cause your vehicle to break down and lead to costly repairs depending on the severity of the damage.
“Inspecting the appearance of the fuel in the tank can also help identify contamination – fuel should look clear and bright, so if it appears dark, cloudy, and has a layer of sludge, it indicates possible contamination.”
The recent incident unfolded in Rayleigh, Essex, where customers saw their vehicles grind to a halt shortly after filling up.
Bosses at BP have since confirmed that the contaminated pump at the garage in London Road has been closed.
The “affected tank” has been isolated with the site now open again and operational.
Elsewhere, a billionaire was left fuming last week after his £90,000 Tesla suffered a catastrophic failure – on the day the warranty ran out.
John Caudwell revealed to followers on his X account how his Tesla Model X broke down as he slammed the US car brand – claiming they needed to “up their game.”