An eyebrow-raising proposal to stop motorists from filling up their fuel tanks to the brim has sparked debate in Bahrain – but supporters insist the controversial move could actually help protect vehicles and improve public safety during the country’s punishing summer heat.
The proposal, submitted by Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, was unanimously approved by council members and has now been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, who will forward it to Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Dr Mohammed Bin Daina for review.
Mr Abdullatif said the idea, while unusual at first glance, stems from increasing concerns over the impact of extreme summer temperatures on fuel systems.
“People may think this sounds absurd, but the reality is that fuel reacts differently in extreme heat and we need to consider precautionary measures that improve safety and reduce unnecessary risks,” he said.
The proposal calls for studying whether fuel station attendants should be prevented from filling tanks completely during peak summer months, amid fears that heat expansion could create pressure build-up inside vehicles parked under direct sunlight for long periods.
However, automotive experts point out that modern vehicles are already engineered to manage such conditions.
Petrol naturally expands when temperatures rise, but today’s cars are equipped with advanced Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) systems designed to vent fuel vapours safely and regulate tank pressure.
Mechanics stress that drivers should stop refuelling immediately after the pump automatically clicks off.
Continuing to squeeze in extra fuel – commonly known as ‘topping up’ or ‘topping off” – can flood the vehicle’s vapour canister with liquid fuel, damaging the EVAP system and potentially causing leaks.
Contrary to popular belief, experts say a properly sealed full tank will not suddenly explode under the sun.
Southern Municipal Council services and public utilities committee chairman Ali Al Shaikh said the proposal was intended to encourage safer fuel habits rather than alarm the public.
“This is not about creating panic,” he explained. “It is about examining whether certain practices during extreme weather conditions could be improved for the safety of motorists and to promote better awareness about vehicle maintenance.”
Ironically, specialists warn that driving with very low fuel levels during summer can be far more damaging.
Fuel acts as a coolant for internal fuel pumps, meaning repeatedly running on near-empty tanks can cause pumps to overheat and fail prematurely.
Instead, mechanics recommend practical summer fuel-saving habits – refuelling at night when temperatures are lower, parking in shaded areas to reduce fuel evaporation, avoiding unnecessary vehicle weight and reducing excessive air-conditioning use, which can slash fuel economy by up to 25 per cent on short trips.
Whether Bahrain’s unusual ‘don’t fill it fully’ proposal moves forward remains to be seen – but it has certainly fuelled one heated conversation.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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