Why you should never stand too close to giant storage containers of flammables

I was playing Battlefield BC recently and on the map deconstruction for defenders there is a choke point on the right hand side. Now with a well played support troop you can hold it fairly easily. Now I did my normal routine of mortar striking the petroleum tanks that are sitting right in front of that and to my dismay did not blow up. After so rudely being interrupted by being sniped in the face, I came back to my spot and promptly went to mortar the offending sniper and to my joy and amusement it exploded and I saw the offending snipers name among the list...then the awards came and after seeing the third mortar strike trophy, I exclaimed "HOLY SHIT". for those that don't know that is 3 people per award that makes 9 dead. so to you sniper sir I salute you ^_^.