If you’ve started pricing up a bunded fuel tank, you’ve probably noticed the numbers vary a lot from one supplier to the next. That’s not suppliers being cagey, it’s because a bunded tank’s price depends on several variables at once: size, material, what’s fitted to it, and how it needs to be installed. This guide breaks down what actually drives the cost, with realistic UK market ranges, so you know roughly what to budget for before you ask for a quote.
What affects the price of a bunded fuel tank
1. Capacity
The bigger the tank, the more steel or plastic goes into it, and the more it costs, but not in a straight line. A 10,000 litre tank isn’t simply double the price of a 5,000 litre one; capacity, wall thickness and the size of the bund itself all scale together, and bigger tanks often need more site preparation too.
2. Material – steel vs plastic
Plastic bunded tanks are generally the cheaper option up front and are common for smaller domestic or light commercial use. Steel bunded tanks cost more initially but last considerably longer, typically 25–30 years against roughly 10–15 years for plastic exposed to UV and general wear, and steel is far more resistant to drilling and tampering, which matters if the tank is sited somewhere fuel theft is a risk. Over the life of the tank, steel often works out better value, which is why it’s the standard choice for busy commercial, agricultural and construction sites. For a full breakdown, see our steel vs plastic bunded fuel tank comparison.
3. Fittings and accessories
The base tank is only part of the cost. Pumps (hand, 12V, 24V or 240V electric), delivery hoses and dispensing guns, contents gauges, lifting eyes, forklift pockets and lockable cabinets all add to the price, as does a full fuel management system for tracking usage across a fleet or site, which can add a significant amount on its own.
4. Installation and site preparation
A bunded tank needs a proper base, typically a fire-resistant, load-bearing concrete pad, plus correctly positioned fill points and delivery access. This groundwork is easy to underestimate and is one of the most common places people go over budget.
Typical price ranges
These are general UK market figures pulled together from published supplier pricing, not a fixed price list, Fuel Safe UK builds tanks to spec, so the only way to get an accurate figure for your exact requirement is a quote. That said, as a rough guide:
- Plastic bunded tanks (1,000–5,000 litres): roughly £1,950–£4,400 for the tank itself.
- Steel bunded tanks (5,000 litres): roughly £3,200–£8,800+ ex VAT for a standard tank, rising to £8,000–£16,000+ for dispensing-ready versions with pumps and gauges fitted.
- Steel bunded tanks (10,000 litres): roughly £6,400–£12,000+ ex VAT for a standard tank, and £20,000+ for a fully equipped dispensing tank.
- Installation and groundwork: roughly £500–£2,500, depending on site access and the base required.
- A full fuel management system: roughly £1,500–£4,000+ on top, if you need usage tracking across multiple vehicles or plant.
Bespoke and multi-compartment tanks, or anything built for an unusual footprint, will sit outside these ranges, which is fairly common for us, given how much of our work is made-to-spec.
Don’t forget the hidden costs
- Delivery, especially for larger tanks or remote sites.
- Annual servicing, checking valves, gauges and the bund itself for deterioration.
- Decommissioning or removing an old tank, if you’re replacing one.
- Any groundworks needed to bring an existing base up to standard, if you’re re-using one.
Why a bespoke quote is worth getting
Because so much of the final price comes down to fittings, site conditions and capacity, a general price guide can only take you so far. At Fuel Safe UK, every tank is made to your specification, backed by a 20 year warranty, and can be delivered anywhere in the UK, so the fastest way to get a number you can actually plan around is to send us your requirements and let us quote against them directly.
Ready to get an exact figure for your project? Request a quote and we’ll come back to you with pricing built around your exact requirements.
Is a bunded tank more expensive than a single-skin tank?
Yes, typically, the second containment layer adds material and manufacturing cost. However, for most commercial and agricultural uses a bunded tank isn’t optional; see our guide to bunded fuel tank regulations for when the law requires one.
Do prices include delivery?
Can I get a tank built to an exact budget?
Ready to get an exact figure for your project? Request a quote and we’ll come back to you with pricing built around your exact requirements.
