How long petrol and diesel last in a can, and how to store them without creating a hazard.
Fuel degrades, and stored fuel is both a fire risk and a regulated one. This covers how long common fuels keep, what shortens their life, and the storage basics. Confirm the quantity and licensing rules for your own jurisdiction; this is general guidance, not a compliance ruling.
As a rough guide, petrol keeps three to six months in a sealed container, less once it contains ethanol. Diesel keeps six to twelve months, longer if kept cool, dry and treated. Kerosene stores longer still. Heat, air and water all shorten these times, so a full, sealed can in a cool dark place lasts longest.
Petrol blended with ethanol, at E10 and above, draws moisture from the air and can phase-separate, leaving water and ethanol at the bottom of the can. It also attacks some seals and coatings. For longer storage, use ethanol-free fuel where available, or a stabiliser rated for ethanol blends, and confirm the container is rated for the blend.
A fuel stabiliser slows oxidation and can extend usable life to a year or more. It does not reverse degradation, so add it to fresh fuel, not old. Follow the dose on the product.
Most jurisdictions cap how much fuel you may store without a licence, and set rules on container type and location. In Singapore, storage of petroleum and flammable materials is licensed by the Civil Defence Force. Check your local limit before you stockpile.
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