Канистры бензина в автомобиле

For many motorists from the Dutch province of Zeeland, a trip to Belgium for cheaper gasoline has become a routine affair. Some drivers bring home not only a full tank but also several canisters of fuel. "There’s no other way," said one motorist to the Omroep Zeeland television company, closing the trunk where two filled gasoline canisters were stored. According to him, he understands that transporting gasoline is unsafe, but he considers it the only way to save money. ### The law allows it, but with conditions In the Netherlands, transporting gasoline in a car is not prohibited. According to current regulations, a driver can transport up to 240 liters of fuel if safety requirements are met. The canisters must be specifically designed for storing fuel, free of damage and leaks, and must be securely fastened to prevent movement during transit. For violations of these requirements, the police can issue a fine. ### Why are firefighters against it? Even if all rules are followed, transporting gasoline remains potentially dangerous, experts warn. Hazardous materials expert Alex van Dijk notes that not only gasoline itself poses a threat, but also its vapors. > "If someone stays in a room where gasoline vapors are present for a long time, they start to feel drowsy and lose concentration. This is especially dangerous while driving. Additionally, the vapors can cause headaches," he explained. According to him, in the event of a car fire, the presence of canisters with gasoline significantly complicates the situation. Firefighters, upon arriving at the scene, orient themselves based on the location of the standard fuel tank of a specific car model. However, additional fuel located, for example, in the cabin or on the passenger seat makes the spread of fire faster and less predictable. ### How to transport gasoline more safely? In Alex van Dijk's opinion, the best way to transport gasoline is to avoid carrying fuel in canisters altogether. > "It’s best to leave gasoline where it belongs — in the car's fuel tank," the expert emphasized. If transportation is still necessary, firefighters recommend limiting the amount of fuel and placing canisters outside the passenger cabin, securely fastening them. Saving on fuel may seem attractive, especially with a noticeable price difference between countries. However, experts remind that even legal transportation of gasoline requires strict adherence to safety measures, as in an emergency situation, additional canisters of flammable material can significantly increase the risk for the driver and passengers.