What is the flash point of petrol?
In brief
The flash point of petrol is about −40°C or lower. That is the lowest temperature at which it gives off enough vapour to ignite briefly in air. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
What the flash point of petrol means in practice
Below normal air temperatures, so its vapour is always present and ready to ignite; it is handled as an extremely flammable liquid.
Flash point and waste petrol
Flash point decides the transport packing group, and a lower-than-expected reading is the classic sign that petrol has got into a heavier fuel.
Petrol in practice
E10 petrol in older vehicles and small engines that sit unused is a common source of phase-separated, water-laden waste petrol.
How City Fuel Services handles waste petrol
Every load of waste petrol is assessed before anything is booked. Tell us the quantity, the containers and any contamination; we confirm the terms, collect with a suitable vehicle, and take it to a permitted facility on a consignment note.
Terms used in this answer
- Flash point
- The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to catch light. Petrol's is around minus 40 °C; diesel's is above 55 °C.
| Density at 15°C | 720–775 kg/m³ (BS EN 228 limits) |
|---|---|
| Flash point | About −40°C or lower |
| Final boiling point | No higher than 210°C |
| Octane (RON) | At least 95 |
| Sulphur | 10 mg/kg maximum |
| Ethanol | Up to 10% (E10) or 5% (E5) |
| Fuel | Unleaded petrol |
| Also called | gasoline, motor spirit, unleaded |
| Waste code | 13 07 02* (petrol) |
| Transport | UN1203, class 3, packing group II |
| Standard | BS EN 228 |
Related questions
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Petrol in brief
Unleaded petrol, also called gasoline or motor spirit, is a light, volatile fuel for spark-ignition engines, made in the UK to BS EN 228. Petrol can be recovered, but its volatility, evaporation losses and handling controls mean it is usually worth less than the same volume of clean diesel.
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.