THE borough council aims to insulate itself against future fuel shortages and rising prices by installing a £56,000 diesel storage facility at its Rossfield Road base in Ellesmere Port.
Holding 20,000 litres - enough to keep council vehicles running for two weeks – it will replace outdated underground storage tanks.
Barry Smalley, facilities management unit manager, reported: “The provision of an on-site storage system would provide a supply of fuel in the event of this type of emergency, and could be used for essential services.
“Many of the council’s services are statutory and the use of vehicles is essential. In the interests of providing services where an emergency has been declared, it is essential that the council can remain self-sufficient.”
He added: “The fuel market is volatile at present, with no guarantee over petrol and diesel prices.
“On-site storage will give reduced fuel costs compared to forecourt prices.”
The report adds extra security measures will need to be decided on.
The council is also looking into having the ability to transport the above-ground tank to another location if need be, improved time-management for drivers re-fuelling, a more streamlined invoice system and improved management of service vehicle records.
Most of the council’s fleet – 80% of which are bin trucks – run on low-sulphur diesel.
Petrol for others vehicles will continue to be bought using a fuel card system.
