Finding ethanol free gas can feel like a scavenger hunt, especially if you have never looked for it before. Whether you run a boat, maintain a lawn mower, or simply want a cleaner-burning option for your car, knowing where to buy and what to look for saves time and protects your engine. This guide covers the best places to find E0 gasoline at the dispenser and in pre-mixed cans, the key features that matter, and the buying mistakes that cost people money every season.
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What Is Ethanol Free Gas and Who Needs It
Ethanol-free gasoline, sometimes labeled E0 at the dispenser, is standard unleaded with no alcohol-based additives blended in. Most regular unleaded sold in the United States contains up to 10 percent corn-derived ethanol (E10), mandated to reduce emissions. While E10 works fine in modern cars designed for it, that additive absorbs moisture from the air and can cause phase separation when stored unused for weeks or months.
People who benefit most from E0 include boat owners, small engine operators running lawn mowers and chainsaws, owners of classic or collector vehicles, and pilots powering piston-engine aircraft. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, roughly 95 percent of gasoline sold in the U.S. contains some blended additive, which is why locating a retailer that sells the pure version takes a bit of effort.
What to Look For: Features and Buying Criteria
Octane rating. E0 gasoline is commonly available in 87, 89, 90, or 91 octane. For most small engines and marine applications, 87 or 89 octane is sufficient. Premium 91 octane E0 is popular among performance and motorsports enthusiasts who want optimal combustion without the moisture risks of blended products.
Dispenser vs. pre-mixed cans. You can purchase E0 directly from a retail dispenser, which is the most cost-effective route if you use large volumes. Alternatively, pre-mixed products like TruFuel deliver measured amounts already blended with the correct oil ratio for 2-cycle or 4-cycle equipment. Canned options are convenient but more expensive per gallon.
Shelf life and storage. One of the biggest advantages of E0 is that it stores far longer than E10. Without the blended additive pulling moisture into the tank, properly sealed E0 can remain stable for six months to a year without a stabilizer. This matters for seasonal equipment like generators, boats, and outdoor power equipment that sits idle between uses.
Price per gallon. Expect to pay roughly 30 to 75 cents more per gallon compared to regular E10 at the same location. Pricing varies by region and by the retailer brand. Pre-mixed cans run significantly higher, often around 8 to 12 dollars per quart, but they eliminate the guesswork for small engine owners.
Marine and recreational suitability. Boat owners and marina operators strongly prefer E0 because blended products can degrade fiberglass tanks and rubber lines common in older watercraft. If you keep your boat at a lake or marina, check whether the on-site dispenser carries a non-ethanol option before filling up elsewhere.
What to Avoid When Buying Ethanol-Free Fuel
Assuming all premium is ethanol-free. Many drivers believe that premium-grade unleaded automatically means no additives. That is incorrect. Most premium blends still contain up to 10 percent ethanol unless the dispenser specifically labels the product as E0. Always read the sticker on the nozzle panel.
Relying on outdated locator tools. Websites and apps that list E0 outlets can be months or years out of date. A location that carried non-ethanol options last summer may have switched suppliers. Call ahead or check the labels in person before planning a long trip for a specific fill-up.
Mixing old E10 with fresh E0. Pouring clean E0 into a tank that still holds stale E10 does not remove the additives or the moisture already present. Drain or burn off the old blend first, especially in small engines and boats, to avoid contamination and phase separation.
Overpaying at convenience stores. Some locations charge a steep markup for E0 simply because demand is high and supply is limited. Compare pricing at two or three nearby retailers before committing, and consider buying in bulk if your consumption justifies it.
Where to Buy Ethanol Free Gas In Store
Shell Branded Stations
Many Shell branded locations across North America carry an E0 option alongside their regular and premium blends. Availability depends on the individual franchise owner, so not every Shell outlet will have it. Check the nozzle labels for an ethanol-free or no-ethanol sticker, or use the Pure-Gas directory to search by zip code before driving out.
Exxon Branded Stations
Exxon is one of the larger brands in the country, and select Exxon locations do sell ethanol-free gasoline. Like Shell, availability varies by area and distributor contract. The Pure-Gas finder is the quickest way to confirm whether your nearby Exxon carries E0 before making the trip.
Weigels
Weigels is a regional chain concentrated in eastern Tennessee and surrounding areas, and several of their locations are known for carrying E0 at the dispenser. If you live in that part of the Southeast, Weigels is worth checking first. Ask at the counter or look for the E0 label on the premium nozzle.
Airports and Aviation Fuel Providers
General aviation airports often stock high-octane, ethanol-free aviation supply because moisture absorption at altitude is a serious safety concern. The company AVFuel operates a network of refueling locations at airports nationwide. Their site includes a locator tool to plan stops along your route. If you are considering purchasing aviation-grade product for a vehicle, call the airport first to confirm whether ground vehicle access is permitted at their facility.
VP Racing Stations
VP Racing is well known in the motorsports world for high-octane race fuel in the 110 to 116 range. At their retail locations, VP also sells pre-mixed small engine products designed for 2-cycle and 4-cycle equipment. These blends are ethanol-free and formulated to sit safely in engines for months at a time, making them a solid choice for lawn mowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers that see seasonal use.
Quick tip: Call ahead to check stock at any location you plan to visit. Smaller or independent outlets may carry E0 only on certain dispensers, and supply can fluctuate with seasonal demand.
Where to Find E0 Products Online
Pure-Gas.org Locator
The single most useful resource for locating E0 at the pump is Pure-Gas.org. This community-maintained site maps retailers across the United States and Canada that carry non-ethanol options. Enter your state or zip code, and it returns a list of confirmed locations. Listings are user-reported, so occasionally a retailer may change its offerings, but overall the database is well maintained and frequently updated.
TruFuel Pre-Mixed Cans
TruFuel is a widely available brand of pre-mixed, ethanol-free product sold in sealed cans at hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers. Their 4-cycle and 2-cycle (50:1 oil mix) formulas are designed specifically for outdoor power equipment. You can order cases through major retailers or pick up individual cans at stores like Home Depot and Lowes. Pricing runs around 8 to 12 dollars per 32-ounce can.
VP Racing Small Engine Products Online
VP Racing sells their premixed small engine products online in addition to at their physical locations. These cans ship directly and work well for buyers in areas without a convenient E0 dispenser nearby. The product line includes options for 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines in various container sizes.
Top Picks for Ethanol-Free Options
Best locator tool: Pure-Gas.org. Free to use, community-updated, and covers all 50 states plus Canada. This is the first place to check when searching for a nearby retailer that sells E0. Bookmark it on your phone for quick access on the road.
Best pre-mixed for 4-cycle engines: TruFuel 4-Cycle. No mixing required. Pours directly into lawn mowers, generators, and pressure washers. Shelf-stable for years in the sealed can. Around 8 to 10 dollars per 32 ounces at most retailers.
Best pre-mixed for 2-cycle engines: TruFuel 50:1. Pre-blended with synthetic oil at the correct 50:1 ratio for chainsaws, string trimmers, and leaf blowers. Eliminates the guesswork of measuring oil. Roughly 9 to 12 dollars per 32 ounces.
Best for motorsports and performance: VP Racing SEF 94. A 94-octane option built for high-performance small engines and recreational vehicles. Delivers optimal combustion and clean-burning results. Sold in 5-gallon pails or individual quart cans.
Best budget option: Local E0 dispenser. If you can locate a retailer selling E0 through Pure-Gas.org, buying in bulk at 30 to 75 cents above regular pricing is far cheaper per gallon than any canned product. Bring a clean, approved container and fill up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ethanol-free gas called at the pump?
Look for labels that say E0, ethanol-free, no ethanol, or pure unleaded on the dispenser. Some retailers list it under their premium grade without a separate label, so always read the fine print on the nozzle sticker to confirm the content before filling up.
Can I put ethanol-free gas in my regular car?
Yes. E0 is safe and compatible with any vehicle that runs on standard unleaded. It will not void your warranty or harm your engine. Some drivers report slightly better mileage with E0, though the difference is modest for most daily commuters.
Is ethanol-free gas better for lawn mowers and small engines?
Yes, it is strongly recommended by most small engine manufacturers. Blended alternatives can degrade rubber seals, clog carburetors, and cause hard starts after the equipment sits unused. Using E0 or a premixed product like TruFuel helps avoid these problems and extends engine life.
Does ethanol-free gas last longer in storage?
It does. Without the additive attracting water into the tank, E0 resists phase separation and remains stable significantly longer than E10. Properly stored in a sealed container, it can last six months to a year without a stabilizer. Adding a stabilizer extends that even further.
How much more does ethanol-free gas cost?
At the dispenser, expect to pay roughly 30 to 75 cents more per gallon than regular E10 at the same location. Pre-mixed canned products are considerably more expensive but offer convenience and long shelf life for occasional small engine use.
Why do boats need ethanol-free fuel?
Marine engines are especially vulnerable to additive-related damage. The moisture that blended products absorb can corrode aluminum components and deteriorate fiberglass-lined tanks. Boats also tend to sit idle for extended periods, giving phase separation more time to occur. Most marina operators recommend or require E0 for exactly these reasons.
Our Editorial Process
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Our team researches current retailer availability, pricing, and product specifications to provide accurate buying guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
Whether you fill up at a local retailer, order cans online, or track down a marina dispenser near your lake, the right ethanol-free option keeps your engines running cleaner and lasting longer. Use a tool like Pure-Gas.org to find the closest E0 source, and stock up before your equipment sits idle for the season.