Can steel fuel tanks rust?

Whilst steel storage tanks are known to be more robust than their plastic counterparts, they can be vulnerable to corrosion – primarily caused by heat, water, and condensation – all of which can result in microbial growth, the main cause of steel tank corrosion. This is particularly prevalent in the storage of diesel or biodiesel.

It is important to avoid corrosion where possible, as it may negatively impact tank integrity, and cause oil spillage, especially in single skin tanks. Ensure your tank is inspected on a regular basis, and that any water present is removed. Steel tanks can be painted or coated with protective barriers in order to help prevent corrosion – many manufacturers supply this feature as a standard, but some tanks will require re-painting as time goes on.