What to do if you run out of fuel: a guide to emergency fuel delivery.

Running out of fuel can bring any operation to a standstill. Whether you’re managing a construction site, operating a logistics fleet or powering off-grid equipment, losing your fuel supply means lost productivity, missed deadlines and, in some cases, significant safety risks.

At RSM Fuel Delivery, we understand that even with the best planning, things can go wrong – and when they do, you need more than just a top-up. You need a fast, reliable emergency fuel delivery service that gets you back on track with minimal disruption. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you run out of fuel and how to hopefully avoid it in future.

a guide to emergency fuel delivery

Step 1: Stop and assess the situation.

If your generator, vehicle or plant machinery has stopped due to a lack of fuel, don’t panic but do try to act quickly.

  • Secure the area: If you’re on a site or roadside, ensure it’s safe to inspect the equipment and that other operations aren’t at risk.
  • Identify the cause: Is it definitely a fuel issue? Modern machines may shut down for various reasons including clogged filters or airlocks. Check gauges and control panels to confirm.
  • Check for airlocks: In diesel systems, running dry can lead to airlocks which will need bleeding before restarting the engine.

Once you’ve established it’s a fuel shortage, it’s time to call in expert help.

Step 2: Contact an emergency fuel delivery provider.

When fuel runs out, time is money. Calling a fuel supplier with emergency response capability can make the difference between a quick recovery and hours (or days) of lost output.

At RSM, our emergency fuel delivery service is available nationwide and designed to get fuel to you fast when you need it most. Our fleet is equipped to deliver red diesel (GTL and HVO alternatives), white diesel and kerosene to wherever you need it, even in hard-to-access locations.

When contacting a provider, be ready to share:

  • Your location (postcode, site name or coordinates)
  • Type and amount of fuel required
  • Urgency of the delivery
  • Access information and any on-site requirements

The clearer your information, the faster we can respond.

Step 3: Secure your site and equipment.

While waiting for delivery, prepare your site:

  • Clear access for tankers and refuelling.
  • Make sure tanks or machinery are safe to refill – no visible damage or leaks.
  • If fuel is being delivered into a generator or mobile tank, ensure trained personnel are on-site to assist with bleeding systems, priming or restarting where necessary.

In many cases, our engineers can also assist with restarts and re-priming following a fuel-out.

Step 4: Consider a temporary storage solution.

If you’re running a high-consumption operation or working in a remote area, emergency deliveries might be a stop-gap not a long-term solution.

To avoid repeated disruption, we recommend:

  • Temporary fuel tanks for ongoing supply
  • On-site fuel bowsers for mobile refuelling
  • Fuel management systems to track usage and trigger alerts before you run dry

We offer a full suite of on-site fuel storage and management systems, helping businesses stay in control of their fuel levels.

Step 5: Prevent it from happening again.

Emergency deliveries are useful, but planned fuel management is better. To avoid future incidents:

  • Track fuel usage across your site or fleet using digital monitoring tools
  • Set automated reorder points to avoid last-minute calls
  • Schedule routine deliveries based on consumption patterns

Our team can work with you to assess your usage and set up bespoke fuel delivery schedules, including top-ups, telemetry monitoring and remote tank level tracking. It means fewer headaches for you and a lower risk of future disruptions.

Why choose RSM for emergency fuel delivery?

At RSM Group, we don’t just deliver fuel – we deliver peace of mind. Here’s what makes us different:

  • Rapid response, nationwide: We’re strategically located to respond to fuel emergencies across the UK.
  • 24/7 emergency line: We’re here when you need us most.
  • Flexible volumes: From small top-ups to full loads, we deliver what you need – fast.
  • Full fuel management: Storage, monitoring, scheduled deliveries and emergency response, all from one trusted supplier.

Don’t let fuel shortages slow you down.

Running out of fuel is never ideal, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to mean disaster. RSM Group is here to keep your operation moving, with rapid-response emergency fuel deliveries and proactive fuel management services to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Find out more on our Fuel Delivery page.

Need urgent fuel right now? Call our emergency fuel line on 0330 320 0744 or get in touch today to speak to one of our fuel experts and get your business back up and running, fast.