A new safety report by the TÜV Association paints a worrying picture of the condition of gas stations across Germany.
According to the 2025 Plant Safety Report (Anlagensicherheitsreport), 21 percent of all inspected fuel stations showed significant technical deficiencies — an increase of nearly two percentage points compared to last year.
Given that diesel and gasoline are highly flammable and classified as hazardous materials, Germany’s roughly 14,000 fuel stations are subject to regular technical inspections.
The TÜV stresses that these checks are essential for preventing potentially devastating accidents such as fires or explosions.
Technical Defects Increasing Across Germany
Inspectors identified a range of recurring issues — from defective fuel dispensers and leaking pipelines to worn electrical cables and cracks in the concrete floors of filling stations.
Operators are legally required to fix all identified problems immediately, but experts warn that maintenance is being postponed too often, especially in smaller or older facilities.
The report examined 5,325 stations nationwide and found that only 42.8 percent were rated free of defects — the lowest figure in years, and four percentage points below the previous year’s results.
Risk Potential Still Low — but Safety Must Be Maintained
Despite the rise in deficiencies, TÜV experts emphasize that gas stations in Germany remain comparatively safe.
“Accidents involving fuel or gas storage facilities are extremely rare,” said Hermann Dinkler, the TÜV Association’s fire and explosion protection expert.
“The technology used in these installations has been proven for decades, and their safety is ensured through regular independent inspections.”
He explained that strict safety requirements are in place for every operator:
- Automatic shut-off systems on nozzles prevent tanks from overflowing.
- Vapor recovery systems ensure that harmful fuel vapors are absorbed and not released into the air.
- Electrical and grounding controls prevent static discharge that could cause sparks or explosions.
These technical safeguards, combined with mandatory periodic inspections, have made Germany’s refueling infrastructure one of the safest in Europe.
Regular Inspections Required by Law
Before a gas station opens, it must undergo a comprehensive technical inspection. Afterwards, a complete review is carried out every six years, while specific systems — such as pumps — are checked every three years.
This framework, TÜV notes, is vital to maintaining safety as facilities age and as environmental protection standards tighten.
Lessons from Abroad: The Rome Explosion
The report also references a tragic incident in Rome in July 2024, where a liquefied gas explosion injured 45 people. Investigators believe gas may have ignited accidentally during refueling.
German experts cite such accidents as reminders of why strict inspection routines and technical standards are non-negotiable.
