When fuel goes on sale again, mid term stockpiling tactics?

[debit.servus]

I wasn't able to stock up on fuel the last time prices were under $2.50 a gallon (here in San Jose, CA) back in the spring of 2016. At that time I wanted to fill 55 gallon drums full of diesel close to $2.40 a gallon, and factoring in the cost of the barrels I found I would break even upon consuming the fuel when pump prices were back up to at least $3.40 a gallon, which would be now.

If fuel goes on sale again, i'll be ready. In the meantime, what are the best stocking up tactics for both mobile dwellers and those with storage, since I'm running on gasoline again I want mid-term stockpiling tactics (3 years or less) for safely storing gasoline in a backyard shed using 55 gallon drums or an IBC tote, also gas is harder & more risky to store than diesel so if I ever start running on diesel again the same storage system should handle diesel as well. 

We stock up on groceries when they go on sale so why not other necessities?

 

[MrAlvinDude]

Rumor has it that gasoline has a rather limited shelf life. So your wish for a three year plan for storage of gasoline might turn out to be a disappointing experience.

 

[debit.servus]

I Already know you have to add fuel stabilizer and prevented the petro distillates from evaporating away.

 

[John61CT]

Propane (LPG) can be stored for centuries no problem.

Less engine wear as well, go 2-3 times longer between overhauls.

But do initial break-in using petrol.

 

[debit.servus]

If this was just about saving money I wouldn't do it, it's about having the fuel available in the event of a big earthquake.

 

[velojym]

If you have a really old carbureted engine, avgas will do, and it stores just about forever. I haven't seen many here with a car/truck that old, though. Diesel is another good storage fuel, as well as propane.

I have 4 5-gallon cans, one 1-gallon can, and a 6 gallon boat fuel tank... built pretty much the same as the cans. I try to keep them full, properly treated, of course, as a buffer in case something happens to spike gas prices, like Harvey, for instance. Even with my longer commute, I can operate for a couple weeks on that and the gas already in my car, in hope that prices would drop by then... or I just start paying the higher rates for a bit.

If I were full-time mobile, I'd consider having a larger tank in my vehicle, and/or carrying a jerrycan or two. "Tankering" was a common practice when I was a trucker, and a large fuel capacity was a good way to avoid some of the localized higher prices. The downside was... if you're hauling fuel, you have a reduced payload ability... but that's another conversation.

 

[Travelmonkey]

I think storing 55 gallons is probably too much. In the event of an earthquake, are you going to leave your home? If so, having a couple of extra 5 gallon should be sufficient to get to an area where fuel is available. If you are going to stay in place, I agree with the previous poster suggesting propane for running a generator.

 

[MrNoodly]

...it's about having the fuel available in the event of a big earthquake.

If there's an earthquake big enough to disrupt fuel supplies for a considerable length of time, then the roads wouldn't be drivable, meaning there's little use for your stockpiled fuel. And if the roads are good, then use your tank of fuel to drive to Arizona or Nevada where fuel is cheaper than California.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I believe a lot of homeowner's policies dictate how much fuel can be stored on the property. If something were to happen and said fuel ignites and your parents find out they have no insurance coverage, I don't think they're going to be very happy. As such, there are almost certainly local, state and/or federal regulations pertaining to it as well. Especially if you're in a residential zoned area.

I don't know if it pertains to gasoline, but i'm guessing it does. When I had my cabinet shop, If I had more than 25 gallons of flammable liquids, they needed to be stored in explosion proof cabinets. Per state law and my insurance regs. (Not Cheap) I bought contact cement and lacquer thinner by the 55 gallon drum, the drums had to be stored in an explosion proof cabinet that could hold them at the tune of about $1600 per cabinet. I don't remember the specifics, but they further categorize flammable liquids by their flash points and storage requirements determined based on those.

 

[gojo]

My last fill up about a week ago in south Texas cost me $2.15 gal. for 87% octane.

 

[Weight]

The rule is always the same. Flood, wildfire, storm, or earthquake. Keep your vehicle tanks full. During hurricane season I gas up at 1/4 tank. But always keep over 1/2 tank. In the event the zombies come, I can flee.