white gas fuel
William Harris
Updated on May 16, 2026
Historically called white gas, it is a liquid petroleum fuel (100% light hydrotreated distillate), composed of cyclohexane, nonane, octane, heptane, and pentane.
Is white gas the same as gasoline?
White gas, you see, is basically a highly refined version of auto gas. In particular, unleaded gasoline oxidizes more quickly than white gas, resulting in the formation of gums, varnishes, and other crud that can foul a spark plug or a stove.
Is white gas and Coleman fuel the same?
White gas (aka “naphtha,” “100% light hydro treated distillate,” or “Coleman Fuel”) is the first choice for most people in North America whether they’re headed out for a summer weekend or for a month-long winter expedition in the Alaska Range. Almost any pressurized-type liquid fuel stove will run well on white gas.
Can white gas be used in a car?
You can use it with gasoline for cars, which contains toxic aromatic hydrocarbons. Still it is better to use it with white gas, which is just octane. Also as white gas is cleaner, the generator will last longer. You cannot use it with any other liquid fuel like diesel, kerosene or alcohol.
Is kerosene and white gas the same?
White gas burns at high efficiency, using less fuel for cooking compared to kerosene. It is the preferred fuel for cold-weather hikers and higher altitude backpackers. It also burns more cleanly with few additives, leaving few deposits and requiring less cleaning of equipment.
Is white gas the same as lighter fluid?
NO! In the US, white gas is the same as Colemans Fuel. Lighter fluid (either for cigarette lighters or the other type used for BBQ grills) are a “flashier” fluid.
What octane is white gas?
There are different grades of fuel. 93 Octane gas is a more refined fuel than 87 Octane and will thus burn hotter & cleaner. Airplane fuel for a Cessna (small pvt craft) is a more refined fuel (110) than 93 Octane; Coleman fuel, or “white gas” has an octane level around 155, hence it’s $5 gal, or whatever it is now.
How hot does white gas?
White gas stoves will burn all the way down to -40F (which is also -40C), which makes them perfect for winter events. However, there are a few downsides. First, it’s a bulky setup. In addition to the stove you also need a gas canister, and the tubing and hand pump that connects to two.
How long does white gas last?
White gas can last for a very long time when stored properly. Some people had white gas last as much as 30 years. However, Coleman recommends a shelf life of 5-7 years unopened and 2 years opened. Always store your white gas in a proper container and inspect for leaks and rust.
Is white gas the same as naphtha?
White gas is a colorless liquid fuel derived from petroleum. Unlike gasoline, this petroleum distillate features no additives. Usually sold in one-gallon gas cans and under its chemical name ‘naphtha’, white gas sports a high carbon content of 5 to 9 carbon atoms per molecule, making it a great source of energy.
Can you use white gas in a kerosene lantern?
NEVER USE gasoline, Coleman fuel, white gas, paint thinner, wood alcohol, diesel, naphtha, turpentine, or any other explosive fuel in a wick lamp or lantern of any type. NEVER USE aviation fuels in any wick lamp or lantern, as the fumes from de-icing additives can be fatal if inhaled.
What octane is Coleman fuel?
Use. lanterns and camp stoves are primarily powered by Coleman fuel. Although Coleman fuel has an octane rating of 50 to 55, it is not as flammable as gasoline, and most burners will burn unleaded gasoline (or white gas).
Can you mix white gas with gasoline?
Not all fuels mix well. However, in the case of white gas and unleaded gasoline, one is basically a (much) cleaner version of the other, so you’re not mixing so much as diluting the white gas with its inferior (for cooking) sibling.
Can u run mixed gas in a car?
Yes, you may pour the unused fuel mixture into your car, provided you don’t fill the tank with the stuff. A couple gallons, if diluted by a tank-full of gas, will do no harm.
What fuel does Coleman lantern use?
Coleman still sells a variety of lanterns that are powered by propane, kerosene, or camp fuel (aka white gas).
What burns hotter kerosene or white gas?
Kerosene will burn a lot dirtier than white fuel, since white fuel is pretty much ultra purified gasoline. You may experience more clogs and more soot. Also kerosene has less heat output than white fuel so you’ll be cooking longer with it (that might outweigh the benefit of a longer burn time).
Is white gas the same as propane?
Propane is an LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), while White Gas is kept in liquid form. Propane is superior in cold tolerance, fuel efficiency per lb, ease of use, safety in storage, and is also easier to buy.
Is white gas the same as denatured alcohol?
White gas contains approximately 20,000 BTU per pound, or nearly double the amount of denatured alcohol.