Hundreds of taxis and vans are said to be facing a fire hazard every day when they fill up with rapeseed oil. Fire Services officials fear lax storage conditions could result in an explosion at one of 10 filling stations selling the oil. They are pressing for stiffer penalties and tighter controls on how the oil is stored - particularly when the rapeseed oil is mixed with diesel. 'Although rapeseed oil is not a highly flammable fuel, our main concern is that once the oil catches fire, the surrounding area tends to become very hot quickly,' Chief Fire Officer (Licensing and Control) Kwok Jing-keung said. 'That is why we need to apply fire safety laws.' The fuel has been recommended as a greener alternative to diesel by light bus and taxi operators because it contains no sulphur and other toxic elements. Mr Kwok is worried that some of the oil, imported from Germany at $6 a litre, has been mixed with normal diesel and lubricants before being sold. Possible new measures include restricting the amount of fuel allowed to be stored in populated areas from 2,500 litres to 500 litres. Mr Kwok said fines for breaking rules could be increased fivefold from $25,000, and owners of dangerous installations could be prosecuted immediately instead of being given a warning. The proposed amendments are likely to go to Legco next year.
