Oil storage in tanks

The crude oil that arrives at its destination is not always immediately treated in a refinery. In addition, the developed countries have realised for a long time now the strategic importance of oil. They are committed to holding stocks of petroleum products (crude and finished products) equivalent to 3 months of import quantities. These commitments have been incumbent on members of the European Union since 1968. Depending on the country, the strategic stocks are managed by state or private organisations (or both). In France, the objective of the organisation responsible for petroleum stocks is to ensure that each region has available 10 days consumption of petrol and 15 days of diesel and heating fuel. Petroleum products are stocked in tanks of varying size that can often be buried underground. In France there are 50 or so storage centres for liquid products. The main concern of the managers of these centres is safety and security. Fire safety certainly; but also prevention of the risk of pollution of land areas and water tables in the case of a leak. There are regular inspections of the condition of the tanks and their resistance to corrosion.