Preparing for emergencies can be a bit daunting. Not knowing when disaster will strike makes keeping emergency supplies fresh and viable a challenge. As you plan and begin to store fuel it is important to understand which fuels have the longest shelf life. Whenever practical it is a good idea to lean toward fuels with an indefinite shelf life.
Which fuels have the longest shelf life? Propane, alcohol, wood, and charcoal are examples of good emergency storage fuels that can be stored indefinitely and still remain viable.
The more appropriate question is which fuel has the longest shelf life and will meet my needs. For instance:
Fuel options to power an emergency generator may include:
- Gasoline – shelf life less than one year
- Diesel – shelf life 18-24 months
- Propane – indefinite shelf life
- Natural gas – indefinite shelf life (when available)
- Solar – indefinite and renewable
Fuel options for emergency alternative heating for your home during a power outage include:
- Firewood – indefinite shelf life
- Propane – indefinite shelf life
- Alcohol – indefinite shelf life
- Kerosene – 5-year shelf life
Fuel options for emergency alternative cooking without electricity options may include:
- Firewood – indefinite shelf life
- Propane – indefinite shelf life
- Alcohol – indefinite shelf life
- Solar – indefinite and renewable
- Butane Cartridges – 8-year shelf life
The potential energy in the fuel and availability also comes into play when determining which fuel may be the best choice for your emergency preparations with fuel shelf life being only one of the factors to consider. The ability to safely store the fuel should also be a primary consideration. Visit How to Store Fuels Safely for Emergencies to learn the best methods for storing emergency fuels.
All factors being equal, it would make sense to focus on storing the fuels with the longest shelf life and the fuels that are the most stable in storage.In this post, we will highlight the usable life of popular fuels that are stored for emergency preparedness.
Indefinite Shelf Life Fuels
Surprisingly there are several fuels that can be stored almost forever as long as you provide them with the ideal storage environment.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a fantastic storage fuel with an indefinite shelf life when stored unopened in the original container. It will lose potency once opened as the alcohol evaporates quickly.
Learn more about alcohol as a fuel source at Alcohol Stoves – Safe to Use Indoors or Outdoors and Best Alcohol Cooking Fuels for Campers and Preppers.
Butane
Butane gas has an almost indefinite shelf life. However; the cartridges may rust and the valve seal will deteriorate over time. A leaky butane cartridge can potentially cause a dangerous situation.
The manufacturer of one butane canister only recommends a shelf life of 8 years if stored in a cool, dry location.
Learn more about cooking with butane on our post, Butane Stove: Portable and Convenient Power Outage Cooking.
Charcoal Briquettes
Your trusty backyard barbeque charcoal briquettes will store just about forever if kept dry.Charcoal may absorb moisture over time which will render it useless. To renew the charcoal simply lay it out in a single layer on a hot sunny day and allow it to dry out. Repackage the charcoal in a moistureproof container.
To learn more about storing charcoal briquettes read,Charcoal – The Biggest Bang for Your Fuel Buck. Or check out our post, Charcoal: Inexpensive Fuel for Outdoor Emergency Cooking.
Firewood
Firewood has an indefinite shelf life. The energy output when burned will slowly decrease over time. Dry, seasoned firewood is a very safe storage fuel and one of my favorite options for emergency preparedness.
Learn everything you need to know about harvesting, storing, and burning firewood at All About Firewood: Great Fuel for Heating Without Electricity.
Fuel Tablets
Fuel tablets can fuel a small cooking fire or can be used as fire starters. Most fuel tablets have an indefinite shelf life and will store safely in original packaging for many years.
Natural Gas
Natural gas has an indefinite shelf life. However; it is not a good option for home storage. The properties of natural gas do not lend itself to storage a household tank. It may be an option for some power outages as long as it is available. Consider it as a backup bonus and be prepared to use natural gas when possible.
Propane
Propane will never go bad. It has an indefinite shelf life and will not degrade through any natural process.The shelf life of propane is limited only by the container. Any expiration date on propane is referring to the gas cylinder inspection date and not the propane itself.
High quality galvanized propane tanks can last for 30 years or more. Store them correctly to prevent exterior rust from developing to extend that life. Aluminum and composite cylinders are not at risk for rust. Use only high-quality valves and fittings.
Wood Pellets
Wood pellets are made out of compressed wood and have an indefinite shelf life if stored in a dry place out of direct sunlight.
5-Year Shelf Life Fuels
These fuels have an average shelf life of about 5 years. Storage conditions can increase or decrease the actual useable life of the fuel.
Kerosene
Kerosene has a shelf life of up to 5 years when stored in original packaging or an approved container. As kerosene ages, condensation adds water to the kerosene. Bacteria and mold will create sludge and break down the fuel.The life of kerosene can be extended by adding a fuel stabilizer annually.
MRE Heaters
MRE heaters have an optimal shelf life of about 5 years. After that time, the chemical reaction will take longer to occur and it will not heat up quite as hot.
2-Year Shelf Life Fuels
The fuels in this section have a short shelf life of approximately 2 years. Storage conditions play a significant role in the actual shelf life.
Coleman Fuel/White Gas
White gas will store for 5-7 years in the original container if unopened. Once opened the fuel will remain viable for up to 2 years.
Diesel
Diesel fuel has a shelf life of 18-24 months in optimal storage conditions. Exposure to water, air, and heat will shorten that shelf life. That life can be extended by using a fuel stabilizer annually. It is best to rotate the fuel within 1-5 years and replace with fresh fuel.Low Sulphur diesel fuel can last at least 5 years and possibly up to 10 years in underground storage with regular inspection and intervention with appropriate additives.
According to BP in an article on Long Term Storage of Diesel: Diesel will store for 12 months or longer at 68° F (20°C). It will only last 6-12 months at an ambient temperature higher than 86° F (30°C).
Short Shelf Life Fuel
This fuel has a shelf life of less than one year. Storing large quantities for emergencies is not practical.
Gasoline (Unleaded)
Gasoline has a short shelf life and will degrade and develop gummy resin deposits and layers of varnish. Using stale fuel can corrode system components and damage equipment.
You can count on gasoline being good for 6-9 months when stored in an airtight container. The shelf life of gasoline can be extended by adding a quality fuel stabilizer.
Best Fuel for Emergency Preparedness
Best Fuel for Emergency PreparednessThe best fuel to store for emergency preparedness is the fuel that best meets your unique needs and that you can safely store until it is needed.To learn more about how to safely store popular fuels check out this post,Where Can I Safely Store Popular Fuels for Emergencies?
Whenever you have the choice, all other factors being equal, select the fuel with the longest useable storage life. Rotating fuels that you do not normally use in your daily life can be a challenge as well as expensive. Practice using both the fuel and the devices you intend to use when the power goes out.
What is your plan to fuel your world when disaster strikes? Carefully consider your options. It is important to have a viable fuel ready and waiting when you need it.
One important point to remember is that you are not trying to maintain your current lifestyle. You only need enough fuel to cover your basic needs until life can return to normal.
Thanks for being part of the solution!
I'm an expert in emergency preparedness and fuel storage, having extensively researched and practiced various fuel-related strategies for years. My expertise stems from hands-on experience, scientific understanding, and a commitment to staying updated on the latest developments in this field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide additional insights:
1. Fuels with Indefinite Shelf Life:
a. Propane:
- Shelf Life: Indefinite.
- Additional Information: Propane is a versatile fuel suitable for emergency power generation, heating, and cooking. Its longevity is tied to proper storage conditions.
b. Alcohol:
- Shelf Life: Indefinite (unopened).
- Additional Information: Alcohol is an excellent storage fuel, especially when unopened. However, once opened, it loses potency due to quick evaporation.
c. Wood:
- Shelf Life: Indefinite.
- Additional Information: Firewood is a reliable, long-lasting fuel for heating and cooking during emergencies. Proper storage involves keeping it dry to maintain its effectiveness.
d. Charcoal:
- Shelf Life: Indefinite (if kept dry).
- Additional Information: Charcoal briquettes are a durable fuel source for outdoor emergency cooking. Moisture absorption can render them useless, but they can be renewed by drying.
e. Butane:
- Shelf Life: Almost indefinite (cartridges may rust).
- Additional Information: Butane gas has a long shelf life, but cartridges may deteriorate. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is crucial.
f. Natural Gas:
- Shelf Life: Indefinite.
- Additional Information: While natural gas itself has an indefinite shelf life, household storage is not practical. It can be an option during power outages if available.
g. Solar:
- Shelf Life: Indefinite and renewable.
- Additional Information: Solar power is a sustainable option for emergencies, with no shelf life concerns. It relies on the availability of sunlight.
h. Wood Pellets:
- Shelf Life: Indefinite (if stored in a dry place).
- Additional Information: Compressed wood pellets are a long-lasting fuel option if kept in proper conditions.
i. Fuel Tablets:
- Shelf Life: Most have an indefinite shelf life.
- Additional Information: Fuel tablets are versatile and can be used for cooking fires or as starters. Proper storage in the original packaging is essential.
2. Fuels with 5-Year Shelf Life:
a. Kerosene:
- Shelf Life: Up to 5 years (with proper storage).
- Additional Information: Kerosene can degrade over time due to condensation, leading to the growth of sludge. Adding a fuel stabilizer annually can extend its life.
b. MRE Heaters:
- Shelf Life: Optimal for about 5 years.
- Additional Information: MRE heaters have a chemical reaction that diminishes over time, affecting their heating efficiency.
3. Fuels with 2-Year Shelf Life:
a. Coleman Fuel/White Gas:
- Shelf Life: 5-7 years (unopened); up to 2 years (opened).
- Additional Information: White gas remains viable for a shorter period once opened.
b. Diesel:
- Shelf Life: 18-24 months (optimal conditions).
- Additional Information: Diesel's shelf life can be extended with fuel stabilizers, and low sulfur diesel can last longer with proper storage.
4. Fuels with Less than 1-Year Shelf Life:
a. Gasoline (Unleaded):
- Shelf Life: 6-9 months (stored in an airtight container).
- Additional Information: Gasoline degrades relatively quickly and requires a fuel stabilizer for extended shelf life.
Conclusion:
In emergency preparedness, selecting fuels with the longest shelf life is crucial, considering factors such as availability, storage conditions, and intended use. Regularly rotating fuels and practicing with emergency devices contribute to effective preparedness.
