The Great Aussie Fuel Frenzy: Why Stockpiling Might Cost More Than You Think
Despite repeated warnings from authorities urging Australians to resist the urge to stockpile fuel, the siren call of a full jerry can persists. The logic is simple: more fuel at home equals less worry about fluctuating prices at the pump. However, this behaviour, while understandable in uncertain times, is actually exacerbating the very problem it seeks to solve, driving prices even higher as demand outstrips available supply.
The surge in stockpiling has become so pronounced that major retailers are finding it increasingly difficult to keep essential items like jerry cans on their shelves. In fact, at hardware giant Bunnings, the humble jerry can has become the most searched item on their website, a clear indicator of the widespread public concern and action. The trend has even spilled over into online marketplaces, with some individuals looking to offload their used fuel containers on platforms like Facebook.
While the idea of snagging a pre-loved fuel container might seem like a savvy move, especially when new ones are scarce, it’s crucial to approach this with caution. There are significant factors to consider before you hand over your hard-earned cash for a second-hand jerry can.
Are Second-Hand Jerry Cans Really Safe to Use?
The age of a plastic fuel container is one of the most critical factors to assess. Liz Radcliff, executive director of WorkSafe Tasmania, strongly advises against using plastic jerry cans that are older than five years. “They might degrade or lose integrity over time,” she explains, highlighting that unlike reputable retailers who are bound by safety standards, the second-hand market offers far less regulation. This means there’s a heightened risk of encountering non-compliant containers being advertised online.
Degraded or old containers pose a serious threat. “They might rupture or leak, which increases the risk of fuel spills, which creates hazards during transport,” Ms. Radcliff warns. Beyond spills, there’s an elevated risk of fire due to the release of flammable vapours in enclosed spaces. “Using damaged or expired containers significantly increases the danger of ignition and should be avoided,” she stresses.
To determine the age of a plastic fuel container, look for a date stamp moulded into the plastic, typically indicating the month and year of manufacture. Even if a container appears to be within its usable lifespan, Ms. Radcliff urges caution against purchasing any that show signs of “damage, swelling, distortion, or other defects.”
Beyond Age: The Crucial Factor of Approval
When it comes to fuel containers, whether brand new or second-hand, ensuring they are approved for fuel storage is paramount. The Australian Dangerous Goods Code mandates that portable plastic and metal fuel containers, with a capacity of up to 25 litres, must comply with Australian Standard 2906. This compliance is usually signified by a United Nations (UN) approval marking, confirming the container has passed rigorous safety testing.
Ms. Radcliff describes this approval process as “rigorous,” ensuring that fuel containers are built to withstand typical handling without corroding, leaking, or breaking. She also recommends limiting the use of containers larger than 25 litres, as “larger volumes increase ignition risk from static electricity.”
Any fuel container that fails to meet both the age and approval requirements should never be used for fuel storage. Furthermore, selling containers that don’t meet these standards is not only risky but also illegal. In Tasmania, for example, individuals caught selling or supplying non-compliant fuel containers can face fines exceeding $7,000, while businesses could be hit with penalties of over $34,000.
The Hidden Costs of Fuel Stockpiling
Beyond the potential for fines and the risk of using unsafe containers, there are other serious consequences to consider when stockpiling fuel. Storing or transporting fuel unsafely can lead to severe financial and personal repercussions, including the potential voiding of your insurance policies.
Mel Percival, RACT’s general manager of advocacy and government relations, advises checking with your insurance provider and thoroughly reading your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). This will clarify any exclusions or conditions related to fuel storage and transport. If an incident involving improperly stored fuel causes damage or loss, your insurance policy could be invalidated, leaving you personally responsible for all associated costs. Using second-hand containers only amplifies these risks.
While there isn’t a specific offence for simply stockpiling fuel in Australia, authorities are quick to point out that penalties can still apply if fuel storage or transport regulations are breached. Service stations also face penalties if they are found to be dispensing fuel into non-compliant containers.
Smarter Ways to Save at the Pump
The experts are in agreement: there are far more effective and safer ways to save money on fuel than resorting to stockpiling. According to RACT, implementing a few simple driving habits and maintenance checks can lead to savings of over $500 per year.
Here are some practical strategies to reduce your fuel expenses:
- Drive Smoothly: Gentle acceleration and braking are significantly more fuel-efficient than abrupt stop-start driving.
- Utilise Cruise Control: On open roads, cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, reducing fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessary fluctuations.
- Maintain Tyre Pressure: Regularly checking your tyre pressure is crucial. Under-inflated tyres increase drag, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
- Reduce Drag and Weight: Remove roof racks when not in use and avoid carrying unnecessary weight. Extra drag and load make your engine less efficient.
- Plan Your Trips: Combine errands and plan your routes to minimise overall travel, especially short trips where engines tend to burn more fuel.
- Be Mindful of Air Conditioning: In mild weather, limit the use of air conditioning. It places an additional strain on your engine, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Ms. Percival equates the savings from adopting these habits to finding fuel at a discount of more than 35 cents per litre. She encourages drivers to implement these tips and reset their trip meters to track the extra kilometres they can achieve on a single tank.
Another invaluable tip is to actively shop around for cheaper fuel. Utilising price-tracking apps can help you compare prices across different service stations and take advantage of any eligible membership discounts, ensuring you’re always getting the best possible deal without compromising safety.
