Fuel Storage
A few precautions: - Never store fuel inside your home.
- Never store fuel near food or water (food contamination).
- Never store fuel near ammunition.
- Only store fuel in approved containers, that can be sealed.
- Keep a fire extinguisher near the area(s) where fuel is stored.
- Assume that your fuel will leak, and store in an appropriate location.
Gasoline - $3.80 / gallon (3/5/12)
Shelf life 1+ year (using fuel stabilizer, stored at a constant, cool temperature, kept clean & dry)
Does not store well. A fuel stabilizer like ‘Sta-Bil’ (can be purchases at Walmart) will extend gasoline's storage life, and can also rejuvenate gas that has been sitting for a while. If you plan to use gasoline as fuel for a 2 stoke engine (chainsaw, dirtbike, etc...), you may want to store some 2 stroke engine oil as well, for mixing.
Diesel - $4.10 / gallon (3/5/12)
Shelf life 2+ years (using fuel stabilizer, stored at a constant, cool temperature, kept clean & dry)
Diesel will store better and longer than gasoline if stored properly. It will try absorb oxygen and contaminants can grow inside the fuel. It is important to keep diesel clean and dry, and in a container that has a good seal.
Propane - $2.87 / gallon (3/5/12)
Shelf life: Stores indefinitely (at a constant, cool temperature, in a clean, rust free tank)
Propane is one of the safest and best choices for fuel storage. It can be used for cooking, heating, and if setup correctly, can power engines for generators and even vehicles.
White Gas / Colman Fuel - $5.00 / gallon (3/5/12)
Shelf life 2 - 5 years (or more). Common used in Colman lanterns and stoves. This type of fuel stores very well. Its good for cooking and lighting, and in a pinch, could be used to run a gasoline engine, although it is not recommend for long periods of time, and can cause engine damage.
Butane Fuel Canisters - $2 - $8 / canister
Shelf life 5 - 7 years (or more). These small, lightweight canisters are used in torches and backpacking camp stoves. Its a good cooking fuel to carry in 72 kits / bug out bags. They can be purchased at Walmart, sporting good stores, or online.
Acetylene & Oxygen - $25 - $75 / tank, depending on size
Shelf life: Stores indefinitely? (at a constant, cool temperature, in a clean, rust free tank)
Acetylene is a combustible gas used in welding and metal cutting. It can be very unstable, and should only be used as a welding gas. Pressured oxygen is also required for gas welding and cutting. These gases can be extremely valuable in an emergency.
