Fuel stockpiling puts homes at risk of fire: NFA chief warns

Fijians storing large amounts of fuel at home amid panic buying fears are putting their families and neighbours at serious risk of fire, the National Fire Authority (NFA) is warning.

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said hoarding fuel was a significant hazard and urged the public to store it safely and away from the home.

"It is advisable that they keep it away from their homes," Mr Sowane said.

"There should be another shed for keeping their fuel and they must close it nicely — not with a loose cap — and don't allow your children to move closer to it."

His warning came as long queues and dry pumps were reported at service stations across Fiji following concerns over the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, prompting many people to rush out and stockpile fuel.

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) also raised the alarm, warning that storing fuel in drums, gallons, or other containers at home could breach the Petroleum Act.

"Section 7 of the Petroleum Act prohibits the storage and keeping of petroleum in a manner that is not in accordance with the Act," said FCCC chief executive officer Senikavika .

Ms Jiuta added that offenders could face fines, imprisonment, or both.

Ms Jiuta said petrol and diesel vapours were highly volatile and that homes lacked the specialised ventilation and fire suppression systems required at licensed service stations.

She also warned that panic buying was creating the very shortages people feared.

"When individuals purchase fuel far beyond their immediate needs, it accelerates the drawdown of available supply at service stations and can create artificial shortages that affect other consumers."

The FCCC urged Fijians to buy only what they needed for immediate use and to report suspected price gouging to 892 1991 or helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj.