How to Store Your Generator Fuel Safely and Legally

Owning a generator feels a bit like having a secret superpower. When the lights go out and the neighbourhood’s in darkness, you’ve still got the hum of electricity keeping things ticking along. But there’s a catch — your generator is only as good as the fuel you’ve got for it. And here’s where a lot of folks slip up: keeping that fuel stored the right way.
It’s not just about tossing a jerry can in the corner of the shed and calling it a day. Poor storage can mean spoiled fuel, damaged equipment, and, in the worst case, dangerous situations. Plus, there’s the legal side — yes, there are actual rules about how much fuel you can keep and where you can keep it.
Let’s walk through the basics so you can keep things safe, compliant, and ready for when you need them.
(Oh, and if you’re after equipment ideas, you can have a look at places like ablepower — but right now, let’s focus on how to store what you’ve already got.)

First Things First: Know Your Fuel
Not all fuels behave the same way, and knowing which one you’re dealing with will shape how you store it.
Petrol – Flammable, evaporates easily, and the vapours can be more dangerous than the liquid itself. Shelf life is fairly short — around 3–6 months before it starts going bad.

Diesel – Less flammable than petrol but still needs proper handling. Can last 6–12 months but is prone to microbial growth if moisture gets in.

Propane/LPG – Stored in pressurised cylinders, which require good ventilation and careful placement.

This might sound a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people store all fuels like they’re the same thing. They’re not. And treating them the same way can lead to problems.

Learn the Legal Limits Before You Store a Drop
Every state or territory has rules about fuel storage, even for homes. The limits are there for safety, but also to make sure your property isn’t at higher risk in a fire or other emergency.
A common example: in a lot of areas, you can only store up to 25 litres of petrol at home without special approval. Diesel often has slightly higher limits, but it’s still regulated. Go over that limit and you might need a licence, fire safety gear, or an approved fuel cabinet.
It’s not just about avoiding a fine — if something goes wrong and your insurance company finds out you weren’t following storage laws, they might refuse to pay out.
Honestly, the easiest way to get clarity is to call your local fire authority or council. Five minutes on the phone can save you a lot of trouble later.
3. Get Proper Containers — Seriously
This is one of those things where cutting corners is not worth it. The container you use matters.
The right choice:
Containers specifically made for fuel — these are usually metal or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.

Colour-coded so you (and anyone else) can instantly tell what’s inside: red for petrol, yellow for diesel, blue for kerosene.

Clearly labelled and fitted with proper caps that seal tight.

The wrong choice:
Milk bottles, old juice containers, or anything not rated for fuel. They can leak, crack, or even dissolve slightly from the chemicals.

Choose the Right Spot
Fuel doesn’t like heat, sparks, or enclosed spaces. Where you store it is just as important as what you store it in.
Good places:
A shed or detached garage with plenty of airflow.

Somewhere shaded, cool, and away from tools or machinery that create heat or sparks.

Flat, stable ground where containers won’t fall over.

Bad places:
Inside your home (it’s not worth the risk).

Near heaters, BBQs, or power tools.

Close to kids’ bikes, toys, or play areas.

LPG cylinders? Keep them outside, upright, and in a spot where they can’t get knocked over.

Remember — Fuel Has a Shelf Life
Fuel doesn’t just sit there forever waiting to be used.
Petrol starts to lose its kick after 3–6 months. Diesel can stretch to about 6–12 months, but moisture is its enemy. Once it’s contaminated, you’re looking at clogged filters and engine trouble.
How to make it last:
Use the oldest fuel first and keep track of when you bought it.

Add stabilisers if you know it’s going to sit for a while.

Keep containers tightly sealed so air and moisture stay out.

Old fuel isn’t just less efficient — it can wreck your generator’s carburettor or injectors.

Keep Emergency Gear Nearby
You don’t need to turn your storage area into a full fire station, but a few essentials can make a huge difference.
A Class B fire extinguisher (designed for flammable liquids).

Absorbent material to mop up spills quickly.

Gloves and safety glasses when pouring or handling fuel.

And while it might sound like common sense, it’s worth saying: no smoking anywhere near fuel.

Transport It Safely
When you’re refilling your supply, the way you move fuel matters.
Keep containers upright and secure in your vehicle. Crack the windows for ventilation, and don’t leave them in a hot car for hours. When unloading, carry them carefully — not swinging them like buckets of paint.
8. Dispose of Old Fuel the Right Way
Pouring it down a drain? Illegal. Dumping it on the ground? Even worse — and it can cause real environmental damage.
The proper way:
Take it to a hazardous waste collection site (most councils have them).

Ask a local mechanic — some will accept small amounts for disposal.

It might take an extra trip, but it’s worth it to avoid both fines and environmental harm.

Make Safety Checks a Habit
Safe fuel storage isn’t something you set up once and forget about.
Every month or so, take a quick look at your containers. Any swelling, cracks, or leaks? Replace them. Is your storage area still tidy and free of clutter? Great.
And keep a mental or written note of your fuel purchase dates. That way, you’re always rotating your stock before it gets too old.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, safe fuel storage is about being smart, not scared. You’ve got a generator to give you peace of mind — storing its fuel the right way just makes sure that peace of mind lasts.
Think about it like this: the generator is your safety net. The fuel is the rope that holds it up. If that rope is frayed or weak, the whole thing’s at risk. So give it the care it deserves.
Right container, right location, right quantity — plus a little bit of routine checking. Do that, and you’ll be set for whatever comes your way, whether it’s a power outage, a weekend project, or an unexpected job out in the middle of nowhere.