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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Fuel Price Guide (Dec. 2011)

Who's got the deals?  Who's ripping you off?  Take a look at the following fuel prices to see what's out there -- and compare it to what you're paying.  Exceptional deals are show in red colored type.

Note:  The following are fuel prices that I observed in person at the retailer listed on the date shown.  Be aware that sometimes I make mistakes and that sometimes retailers change prices.   All prices are shown in US dollars (USD).  All observations were made in and around Los Angeles, CA, USA.

I.  White Gasoline (Coleman Type Fuel) 
Big 5 Sporting Goods
(03 Dec 2011)
Coleman        Gallon  $11.99
 
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
(03 Dec 2011)
Crown          Quart   $ 8.00
MSR            Quart   $12.95
Crown          Gallon  $14.00
Coleman        Gallon  $11.95

Sport Chalet
(05 Dec 2011)
Coleman        Quart   $ 6.97
MSR            Quart   $ 9.99
Coleman        Gallon  $10.97

Sports Authority
(05 Dec 2011)
Coleman        Quart   $ 6.99

Wal-Mart
(19 Nov 2011)
Coleman        Quart   $ 5.88
Coleman        Gallon  $ 9.68

II.  Gas (propane, isobutane, butane)
Big 5 Sporting Goods
(03 Dec 2011)
Camping Gaz    190g    $4.99    $0.0263/gram
Coleman        220g    $6.99    $0.0318/gram
Camping Gaz    230g    $6.99    $0.0303/gram (that price makes no sense compared to the 450g size, but that's what they quoted me)
Primus         230g    $5.99    $0.0260/gram
Camping Gaz*   450g    $6.99    $0.0155/gram
Coleman        465g    $4.49    $0.0097/gram (100% propane)
Worthington-2  465g    $8.99    $0.0097/gram (100% propane) (Two Pack)


REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
(03 Dec 2011)
JetBoil        100g    $4.95    $0.0495/gram
Snow Peak      110g    $4.50    $0.0409/gram
MSR            113g    $4.95    $0.0438/gram
Snow Peak      220g    $5.50    $0.0250/gram 
MSR            227g    $5.95    $0.0262/gram 
JetBoil        230g    $5.95    $0.0259/gram
JetBoil        450g    $9.95    $0.0221/gram
Coleman        465g     Out of stock 03 Dec 2011

Sport Chalet
(05 Dec 2011)
JetBoil        100g    $4.99    $0.0499/gram
Optimus*       110g    $3.95    $0.0359/gram
Snow Peak      110g     Discontinued at Sport Chalet
MSR            113g    $3.99    $0.0353/gram
Optimus*       220g    $4.45    $0.0202/gram
Snow Peak      220g    $5.50    $0.0250/gram
MSR            227g    $4.99    $0.0220/gram  Updated 11 Jan 2012
Camping Gaz*   230g    $4.99    $0.0217/gram  
JetBoil        230g    $5.99    $0.0260/gram    
Camping Gaz*   450g    $6.99    $0.0155/gram
JetBoil        450g    $9.99    $0.0222/gram
Coleman        465g    $2.97    $0.0063/gram  (100% propane)

Sports Authority
(05 Dec 2011)
JetBoil        100g    $4.99    $0.0499/gram
MSR            113g    $4.99    $0.0441/gram 
Coleman*       220g    $6.99    $0.0318/gram
MSR            227g    $5.99    $0.0264/gram    
Coleman        465g    $2.99    $0.0064/gram  (100% propane)
Coleman-2      465gX2  $5.69    $0.0061/gram  (100% propane) (Two Pack)

Wal-Mart
(19 Nov 2011)
Coleman*       220g    $4.88    $0.0221/gram
Coleman        465g    $2.86    $0.0061/gram  (100% propane)
Worthington-2  465gX2  $5.12    $0.0055/gram  (100% propane) (Two Pack)

*NOT recommended for use below 50F/10C.  Why? See:  What's the Best Brand of Gas for Cold Weather?


III.  Kerosene or Kerosene "substitute"
Wal-Mart
(19 Nov 2011)
Coleman                      Quart   $ 5.88 ($23.52/gallon)

IV.  Alcohol
Home Depot
(28 Dec 2011)
Klean Strip SLX Denatured    Gallon  $15.98
Klean Strip Green Denatured  Quart   $ 6.69 ($26.76/gallon)

Wal-Mart
(28 Dec 2011)
Yellow HEET (methanol) 12oz  12pk    $16.44 ($14.61/gallon)


I hope you find the information helpful,

HJ

11 comments:

  1. Wow! Very nice and comprehensive list. Unfortunately, fuel prices aren't this low for we Canadians! Butane and propane are about the same per canister based on your table, but gosh! white gas can't be had for less than $4/litre, or about $16.50 a gallon from the cans. I don't think fuel taxes apply to these fuels here - so maybe it is just like how book prices increase for Canadians? Thanks for the great list!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You're welcome for the list. It's mainly for comparative purposes. It's going to vary a lot from location to location, even within the US. And, yes, we are very spoiled in the US with cheap Coleman fuel. Of course I used to pay about $3.50/gallon for it, but...

    HJ

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your list. It looks like you put a lot of work into it.

    This compares to everything in the stores, almost, that has risen 100 to 150% during the past three to four years.

    It supports my decision to cook over available wood. Campfires are still great. And when I feel the need, I can still use my ZIP stove, which burns small twigs and chips. I may even carry a little charcoal in my pack.

    Nowslimmer, December 28, 2011.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, it was a lot of work. Just typing it up was a lot of work, let alone going and getting the data. Still, I like to know what's out there.

    Wood is a good fuel if it's legal and ethical to use in your area. I live in a very dry area, and wood fires are heavily restricted. Wood sources are also somewhat limited.

    HJ

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the work, here's another source. Target has 2 pack Coleman Qt. for under $6.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Really? That's a good price for quarts. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip!

    HJ

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  7. I found Brunton 4oz butane/propane (110gram) 24 pack for $68.00 / $2.83 each on ebay (that includes the shipping). That has to be the best deal out there that I can find.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, yes, $2.83 each is a great deal. Of course you have to buy 24 at a time. Might be worth it for Scout troops, hiking clubs, etc. Good to know about.

    Thanks,

    HJ

    ReplyDelete
  9. methanol is cheaper if you buy a 5 gal jug of it from a racing shop: ~$9/gal

    http://www.vpracingfuels.com/index.html?Action=Commerce.Product&ID=25733156

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a nice price although it would take a long time to burn through 5 gallons of alcohol.

      HJ

      Delete
  10. absolutely- I run my car with a water/methanol system, so I already have it on hand. I suppose you could go in with some trail buddies & get it as a group buy...

    ReplyDelete

My apologies to real people, but due to Spammers I have to moderate comments. I'll get to this as rapidly as possible but do understand that I like to hike and there's no internet in the wilderness. Take care and stove on!