FRANCIS Maude was censured by fire brigade chiefs and motoring organisations last night for suggesting that drivers should start hoarding petrol at home or in their vehicles in the face of a possible tanker drivers' strike.
The Cabinet Office minister sparked controversy when he said: "The greater extent to which people have fuel in their vehicles – maybe a bit in the garage in a jerry can – the longer we can keep things going."
Within minutes of his comments, concerns were raised. Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: "The general public does not properly understand the fire and explosion risk of storing fuel, even if it was done sensibly.
"Those without garages may be tempted to store fuel in the home. In the event of a fire in the house or a neighbouring property, it would be disastrous."
Mr Wrack explained that it was already against the law to store more than 10 litres of petrol in two five-litre plastic containers at home. As that amounted to little more than a third of a tank in most cars, the advice was of little practical help, he said.
"There is a real danger the public will start storing fuel in inappropriate ways if the Government is encouraging panic-buying and storage. This advice is wrong and must be withdrawn," added Mr Wrack.
Neil Hessell, of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: "Petroleum is a very dangerous substance which we advise should never be kept in domestic premises. The potential dangers are just too big a risk."
The AA also stressed it did not advocate drivers hoarding petrol at home or in their garages.
Edmund King, its president, said: "Petrol vapours can be volatile and a fire risk. Filling car fuel tanks from a can is difficult and can lead to spillages. Transporting or storing too much petrol can also be illegal."
Later last night, Mr Maude said: "There are legal limits on what you can store."
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