The most prominent difference lies in safety. A normal fuel tank typically consists of a single-walled structure. If it gets damaged, fuel can leak directly into the environment, posing fire, explosion, and pollution risks. In contrast, a Self Bunded Fuel Tank has a double-walled design. The outer wall acts as a secondary containment, catching any fuel that leaks from the inner tank due to corrosion, impact, or other damage. This feature greatly reduces the likelihood of fuel spills and environmental contamination.

Self Bunded Fuel Tanks are often designed to meet strict environmental and safety regulations. Many regions require their use in areas where fuel storage needs to be highly secure, such as near residential areas or sensitive ecological zones. Normal fuel tanks may not comply with these stringent standards, limiting their use in certain applications.

Normal fuel tanks may require more complex installation procedures, especially when it comes to safety-related measures. Self Bunded Fuel Tanks, due to their built-in safety features, can sometimes be easier to install and may require less additional safety infrastructure. Regarding maintenance, self-bunded tanks simplify leak detection as any escaped fuel will accumulate in the space between the walls, making it easier to identify and address issues promptly.