31 Oct 2019

Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has dismissed as illegitimate the message circulating on some social media platforms cautioning the public against filling their cars with petrol to the maximum limit.

The message also indicates that filling to maximum point might cause explosion in the fuel tank due to an increase in temperatures.

According to the press release, the authority has discovered that the same message has been circulating on the internet since 2011.

The authority says such concern is not legitimate reasons being that the temperature that would result in petrol ignition on its own thus exploding is about 280 degrees Celsius therefore this temperature cannot be reached on a normal day.

Another reason is that the pressure that can build up in a petrol tank is lower compared to the stability of the fuel tank and the venting system of a car tank ensures that the pressure in the tank is constantly kept low.

The authority further advices the public to continuously observe safety procedures and exercise caution when handling fuel to minimise exposure to fire risks that may be triggered by any ignition source.

Further, the release says use of mobile phones and smoking of cigarettes at or near fueling points is strictly prohibited.

The public is also advised that the use of unprescribed containers for storing or transporting fuel is strictly prohibited. ENDS