Letter Re: Long Term Gas and Diesel Storage

JWR:
Reader R.B. recently mentioned obtaining 55 gallon drums to store diesel as it “lasts for years.”
 
Gasoline will also “last for years” IF it is stored properly. I recently tapped into a 55 gallon drum that had been stored for 5 years – and was surprised to get 2-1/2 better m.p.g. while experiencing considerably more horsepower going up several mountain passes.  Some of this may be due to 5 year old fuel having a lower percentage of Ethanol than recent production.
 
USE A QUALITY PRESERVATIVE – I like Pri-G gasoline treatment, but STA-BIL seems to work as well, and use 25% more than suggested.

ELIMINATE AIR – Oxygen chemically reacts with gasoline. Use only a metal storage container, since air molecules gradually go right through plastic. Be sure to fill it the container to within an inch of the top. Put the cap on tight and wait for your rainy day.  – Chemist in the Rockies