Denise M. is a 62-year-old resident of Alexandria, Virginia.
On May 12, 2021, she drove a friend into Washington, D.C. for a simple errand.
But five days earlier, a criminal hacking group had shut down the Colonial Pipeline.
That pipeline delivers nearly half of the fuel to the entire East Coast.
By the time Denise was heading back, panic buying had drained over half of Virginia’s gas stations completely dry.
She took a wrong turn on the way back and her tank was running low.
She pulled into station after station, but every single one was empty.
Her car finally ran out of gas and died on the road.
The 62-year-old had to step out and walk more than half a mile on foot to find a station that still had fuel.
The Washington Post featured Denise’s story as an example of the chaos and desperation across Northern Virginia.
A fuel shortage can happen quicker than you think.
One cyber-attack on one pipeline shut down gas for countless Americans in less than a week.
Without stored fuel and a backup plan you could end up like Denise – or worse.
So, below are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of storing gasoline long term.
Fuel when everyone else is dry:
The biggest benefit is having gas when nobody else does.
With five to ten gallons stored and treated with fuel stabilizer, you could fill your tank at your property. No lines, no panic.
Power for your generator:
Stored gasoline isn’t just for your car.
A generator can keep your fridge running, charge your devices, and power essential equipment.
But a generator is useless without fuel.
Having treated gas on hand means you’re ready the moment the lights go out.
Bug-out ready:
In a major crisis, you may need to evacuate or bug out quickly.
But, if gas stations are empty, you’re stuck.
Having stored fuel means you fill up at your property and hit the road right away.
That head start could make a real difference.
Drawbacks to storing gasoline:
Shelf span:
Regular gasoline starts to break down in as little as 30 days.
In a sealed container at room temperature, it lasts about six months.
But temperature matters more than most people realize.
At higher temperatures, gasoline can degrade in just three months.
The cooler and more stable the storage environment, the longer your fuel will last.
A fuel stabilizer like STA-BIL can keep it usable for up to 24 months.
Without it, your stored gas could damage your engine when you need it most.
Safety risks:
Gasoline is highly flammable and releases dangerous fumes.
Store it in approved containers, in a cool ventilated spot away from your property and any ignition sources.
An outbuilding or shed is the safest option. Keep it out of reach of children.
Do not store gasoline outside.
Rain, temperature swings, and sun exposure will degrade the fuel and create a safety hazard.
Local regulations:
Many areas have rules about how much gas you can store at your property.
Be sure to look into your local fire codes before stockpiling.
What to store gasoline in:
For small amounts of a gallon or less, basic plastic gas cans will do the job.
But for anything more than that, invest in quality 5-gallon steel gas cans. Plastic containers are cheaper, but steel is far safer for larger quantities.
When buying steel canisters, make sure they are designed specifically for gasoline storage.
No matter what container you use, fill it to about ninety-five percent capacity.
Gasoline expands with heat and leaving that small gap at the top prevents pressure buildup and leaks.
Rotation is everything:
The single most important habit with stored fuel is rotation.
Use the oldest gas first.
When you use a can, refill it with fresh fuel and add stabilizer right away.
Mark the date you filled each can, so you know what to use next.
If you do not rotate, your stored gas will go bad and you could end up stranded at the worst possible moment.
And remember this simple tip: don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank drop below half.
A half tank gives you a cushion.
It means you have a better shot at driving to safety, reaching a supply point, or bugging out without depending on a gas station that might already be bone dry.
One of the top-rated fuel storage options is the Wavian 5-Gallon NATO Jerry Can.
It’s military-grade steel and the same design used by armed forces around the world.
Another must-have is STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer.
Add it to your stored fuel and it stays good for up to two years.
It also works in generators and vehicles that sit for long periods.
A third option is the Scepter 5-Gallon SmartControl Gas Can for easy rotation of your fuel supply.
