Andrey Romanov Commercial Director of ITALON explaining fuel storage.
Expert insights on professional fuel management and loss prevention.

How to Store Fuel Properly: Andrey Romanov on the FIFO Rule and Professional Standards

Andrey Romanov, Commercial Director of ITALON, explaining professional fuel storage standards.

Fuel is one of the most significant expenses in fleet management and industrial operations. However, improper storage often leads to “silent losses” through evaporation, contamination, and chemical breakdown. Building on our expertise in reducing fuel losses, we look at how proper organization at the storage site can save thousands in operational costs.

In a recent expert session, Andrey Romanov, Commercial Director of ITALON, outlined the essential standards for fuel inventory management, focusing on safety, organization, and the critical FIFO rule.

1. High-Standard Containers and Labeling

The integrity of your fuel starts with where it is kept. “You need to use appropriate containers,” Romanov states. For professional use, this means certified tanks that prevent hydrocarbon oxidation and are resistant to environmental factors.

Equally important is a rigorous labeling system. Clear markings ensure:

  • Safety: Preventing the accidental mixing of gasoline and diesel.
  • Efficiency: Instant identification of fuel types in a complex storage environment.
  • Traceability: Always knowing exactly where your gasoline is kept.

2. The FIFO Rule: First In, First Out

The core of Romanov’s advice is the implementation of the FIFO (First In, First Out) principle. In fuel logistics, this means the oldest stock is always consumed first. first.

FIFO rule fuel management diagram
Implementing the FIFO rule prevents fuel oxidation and ensures stock freshness.

Why is the FIFO rule critical?
Gasoline and diesel are not shelf-stable forever. Over time, fuel can undergo oxidation, leading to the formation of gums and sediments. If “old” fuel stays at the bottom of a tank while new fuel is added on top, it eventually degrades into a substance that can clog filters and damage modern high-pressure injection systems.

Following the FIFO rule ensures:

  • Inventory Turnover: Fresh fuel is always moving through the system.
  • Engine Longevity: Reducing the risk of engine damage from degraded fuel.
  • Loss Prevention: Minimizing the amount of fuel that becomes unusable due to age.

The Role of Monitoring in Fuel Rotation

While physical storage depends on using the right containers, ITALON’s precision hardware and software provide the necessary data transparency to monitor fuel turnover. By using precision fuel level sensors and telematics, fleet managers can gain real-time visibility into stock ages and tank activity. This ensures that the professional storage standards and FIFO rotation cycles recommended by Andrey Romanov are not just theoretical, but strictly maintained and verified through accurate data.

FAQ

Q: What is the most important rule for fuel storage?
A: According to expert Andrey Romanov, the most important rule is FIFO (First In, First Out). It ensures that the oldest fuel is used first to prevent chemical degradation and engine damage.

Q: How should gasoline be labeled in a warehouse?
A: Gasoline should be kept in appropriate, certified containers with clear labels that indicate the fuel type and storage date to ensure safety and proper inventory rotation.

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