Petroleum
Why Do We Need to Licence Petroleum Spirit?
We need to licence petroleum spirit to make sure those keeping and dispensing petroleum do so in a safe manner that is unlikely to cause risk to the public or environment. For licensing purposes 'petroleum' is any product of crude petroleum which has a flashpoint below 21 degrees centigrade. It includes petrol, benzene and pentane but does not include white spirit, paraffin, diesel oil or fuel oils.
Who Needs a Petroleum Spirit Licence?
If you store more than 15 litres of petroleum spirit and you are one of the two categories of work premises below then you need a licence:
- retail petrol filling stations, or
- non retail petrol filling stations
The latter includes commercial sites and farms if they have storage tanks for petrol and from which the petrol is dispensed, either mechanically or electrically, into the fuel tank for an internal combustion engine (note that this is a much wider definition than just a motor vehicle).
How Do I Apply for a Petroleum Spirit Licence?
Please use the links on the right of this page to apply or exchange information.
Alternatively, please use the contact details on the right of this page for all enquiries relating to petroleum spirit.
What if I don't hear from Powys County Council within the specified time?
It is in the public interest that Powys County Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from Powys County Council within 14 calendar days of submitting your request., please contact us. You can do this using the contact details to the right of this page.
If you applied through the UK Welcomes service, you can also use this link.
Fees
The fee for a petroleum licence depends on the quantity of petroleum spirit stored. Licences are issued for a site/premises and are normally valid for one year; they are transferable, although a fee is payable to transfer a licence.
Is there an appeal process?
Please contact Powys County Council in the first instance.
If an application is refused the applicant may appeal to the Secretary of State.
Consumer Complaint
If you as a private individual have a complaint about a business operating under this licence, please contact the trader in the first instance - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Service Contact
There are contact details available in a number of locations for this Service. Please select your nearest town:
Application Forms
The links below take you to another website which processes these applications on behalf of Powys County Council.
Apply for a licence to store petroleum
Tell us about a change to your existing petroleum licence
Apply to transfer your existing petroleum licence
Apply to renew a petroleum storage licence
Legislation
Fire safety law and guidance documents for business
Trade Associations
