With diesel prices in constant flux, it makes sense to purchase a larger amount of fuel when the price is low. However, this means you need to figure out a safe and secure storage method to maintain your fuel on a long-term basis. Here are a few methods that will help you maintain the chemical stability of the fuel while aligning with federal regulations.

How to Correctly Store Diesel Fuel

1. Choose a Proper Tank

The size and quality of the tank you need depends on how much diesel fuel you intend to store at one time. For a small amount, you can opt for a portable 5-gallon gas can. However, a larger amount may call for special storage containers. 55-gallon drums or stand-alone tanks can be excellent options for larger quantities.

Some tanks are made of flexible, lightweight plastic while others are rendered from specially formulated polyethylene that decreases the possibility of rupturing and corrosion. The material and size you choose for your storage tank depends on necessity and preference.

2. Manage Storage Time

Only store the amount of fuel you’ll be able to use in one year. If you leave it longer, the fuel will begin to react with the oxygen in the tank and take on a gummy texture. Diesel fuel with this consistency can clog fuel filters, burn poorly, and create a layer of soot within the engine. Check on the condition of your stored fuel to ensure it remains viable and useful.

3. Store Safely

Because diesel is highly flammable, it should be safely stored in a secure tank and kept away from children or pets to avoid accidents. Keep the fuel in an isolated area and only allow access for refueling and tank maintenance.

If you’re using an above-ground container, it can be installed in a building or under a lean-to as a way of preventing water or heat from permeating the tank. Heat can evaporate the diesel fuel or speed up the gummying process. Water can get into the tank and lead to fungus growth that will break down diesel molecules and release organic compounds, taking away from the integrity of the fuel and making it unusable.

 

If you need reliable fuel delivery, Monroe Oil Company in Rochester, NY, has been supplying residents with their heating oil, kerosene, and diesel needs since 1910. Offering fuel deliveries seven days a week, this oil company provides top-notch customer service and high-quality fuel products to Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties. Call (585) 244-4080 today to speak with a member of their team or visit their website for more information.