Diesel Fuel Storage Singapore: SCDF Regulations, Licences & Compliance Guide (2026)

Storing diesel on-site in Singapore triggers specific SCDF licensing requirements depending on quantity and location. Get it wrong and you face stop-work orders, fines, or worse — an uninsured incident. This guide covers what every facility manager needs to know.

Why Diesel Storage Is Regulated in Singapore

Diesel (Class II petroleum) is a flammable liquid under Singapore’s Fire Safety Act and the Petroleum Act (Cap. 229). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) administers storage licensing through its Hazardous Materials Branch. The framework exists for good reason — improper storage of flammable liquids causes fires, explosions, and groundwater contamination incidents every year across the region.

For facility managers, the key question is simple: how much diesel can I store before I need a licence, and what does that licence require?

SCDF Classification: What Class Is Diesel?

Under the Fire Safety (Petroleum and Flammable Materials) Regulations, diesel is classified as a Class II petroleum product:

Diesel’s flash point (~52–96°C depending on grade) places it in Class II. ULSD typically has a flash point of 55–70°C; some IDF grades may be slightly higher. This classification determines which licence tier applies.

Licence Thresholds: How Much Can You Store?

SCDF’s licensing thresholds for Class II petroleum (diesel) in Singapore:

Key Physical Requirements for Licensed Storage

Bunding (Secondary Containment)

All diesel storage tanks in Singapore must be surrounded by a bund (secondary containment) capable of holding at least 110% of the largest tank’s capacity. The bund prevents spilled fuel from reaching drains, waterways, or soil. SCDF inspectors will check bund integrity, condition, and drainage controls during licence inspections.

Tank Specifications

• Aboveground storage tanks (AST) must be constructed to SS 299, BS 2594, or equivalent approved standard
• Tank vents must terminate at a safe location outdoors with flame arrestors fitted
• Fill points, dip hatches, and overflow pipes must be clearly labelled
• Earthing/bonding must be provided to prevent static discharge during filling
• Emergency vent sizing must comply with API 2000 or equivalent

Fire Safety Requirements

• Minimum separation distances from buildings, property boundaries, and ignition sources (refer to SCDF’s Petroleum Storage Guidelines for specific distances)
• Portable dry powder or CO₂ fire extinguishers within 15m of the storage area
• “No Smoking / No Naked Flame” signage at all entry points
• Drip trays under dispensing pumps and hose connections

Underground Storage Tanks (UST): Additional NEA Requirements

If your diesel is stored in an underground tank (common for petrol stations and large generator installations), you also need a NEA Underground Petroleum Storage Tank Licence under the Environmental Protection and Management Act. Key UST requirements:

• Tank must be double-walled with interstitial monitoring
• Automatic tank gauging (ATG) system with leak detection
• Overfill prevention valve (OPV) and spill containment manhole
• Cathodic protection for steel tanks
• Annual tightness testing and quarterly leak detection checks

Standby Generator Diesel: Special Considerations

Data centres, hospitals, commercial buildings, and industrial plants typically store diesel for standby generators. The day tank (inside the plant room) and the main storage tank (outside) are treated as separate storage points for licensing purposes. Key points:

• Day tanks inside buildings are typically limited to a maximum of 250L if no separate fire compartment is provided
• Main bulk storage must be in a properly bunded outdoor area with SCDF licence
• Transfer pipes between bulk tank and day tank must be metal (no flexible hose for permanent installations) and have automatic shut-off on fire alarm activation
• Generator room ventilation must prevent vapour accumulation — minimum air changes per hour specified in SS 531

See our detailed guide on standby generator diesel in Singapore for consumption calculations and supply planning.

Applying for a SCDF Petroleum Licence

Applications are submitted through the GoBusiness Licensing Portal (previously LicenceOne). The process:

1. Prepare site plan showing tank location, bund dimensions, separation distances, and fire safety features
2. Submit application with tank specifications, fire safety declaration, and company UEN
3. SCDF inspection of the installed tank (for new installations)
4. Licence issued — valid for 1 year, renewable annually

Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks for new licences. Renewals are processed faster if no changes have been made to the installation.

How Interion Supports Compliant Diesel Storage

When you purchase diesel from Interion, our drivers are trained to check bunding and earthing condition before filling. We will flag obvious compliance issues during delivery — though responsibility for licencing and physical compliance rests with the site owner.

We supply:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all diesel grades — required for WSHA workplace safety compliance
• Delivery Orders confirming quantity, grade, and date — required for NEA and SCDF audit trails
• Certificate of Compliance confirming fuel specification — useful for ISO 14001 and sustainability audits