How Much Fuel Does a Generator Use?
Fuel is the running cost people forget to budget for. Here's roughly what to expect and how to keep it down.
It depends on load, not just size
A generator burns fuel in proportion to how hard it's working, not its maximum rating. A big diesel running a light load sips far less than its flat-out figure. This is why sizing right matters: an oversized unit running half empty wastes fuel.
Rough figures
- Small petrol inverter (2 to 7 kVA): often runs many hours on a tank at typical event loads, especially in eco mode where revs drop with demand.
- 60 kVA diesel: consumption climbs with load, but diesel is efficient under the sustained heavy use it's built for.
Exact numbers depend on your actual load, so we give you a realistic estimate with your quote.
How to keep fuel down
- Hire the right size. Oversized units waste fuel at light load.
- Use eco or auto-throttle where available so revs follow demand.
- Turn off what you're not using.
We handle fuel on operated hires
On operated hire we manage refuelling so you never run dry mid-job. See how pricing works or get a quote.
FAQs
How long does a generator run on a tank?
It depends on the unit and the load. A small inverter at a light event load can run most of a day; a heavily loaded diesel uses more. We give you a realistic runtime estimate for your job.
Is fuel included in the hire?
On operated hires we manage fuel for you. On dry hire it's usually your responsibility, and we'll set it up clearly in the quote so there are no surprises.
Need power sorted?
Tell us the job, we'll recommend the right unit and get you a price fast.