Situation · Fuel shortage

No petrol and no gas bottles: margin and alternatives.

A fuel shortage affects transport, heating and sometimes food. With a bit of margin and some alternatives thought through, you can get through it without major problems.

HabitTank above half

NeverPanic filling up

Getting aroundCar sharing

At homeOne base room

What to do now See the guides

Step by step

What to do, and when

Don't rush to fill up in a panic: queues make shortages worse.Check how much fuel you have in the car and at home.Work out which journeys are really necessary.

Combine trips, share cars and use public transport or a bike.Consider working from home if you can.Save on heating: one base room, layers and blankets.

Make a habit of keeping the tank above half.Only store fuel in approved containers and in the permitted quantities.Have a safe way of cooking and keeping warm with another energy source planned.

Your margin

What decides how long you can hold out

The car's fuel tank.

Gas bottles or heating oil.

Essential journeys: work, school and the doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask most

Can I store petrol at home?

Only in approved containers, in small quantities and away from the house and any heat source. Check the regulations: there are limits.

How do I heat the house if there's no heating oil?

Bring the family together in one room, use layers and blankets and, if you have another heat source, make sure it's suitable for indoor use and that you have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Why keep the tank above half?

Because in an emergency you may not be able to fill up, and half a tank is usually enough to reach your evacuation destination.

To read later

Guides to help you prepare

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