We in the retail business were hit with this not long ago. Here is the information we are providing our customers as to why your portable tanks (and soon ALL fuel tanks) are going to cost more from now on:
"Dear Customers,
You may be wondering why you're seeing higher prices on the portable fuel tanks, fuel lines, and primer bulbs this year.
To meet new standards mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these products (portable fuel tanks) must be nanufactured with low-permeation materials to decrease fuel evaporation into the environment. As a result, the cost of producing thes products has doubled.
The change impacts all portable fuel tanks of 12 gallons or less. In 2012, these new EPA standards will affect all other topside AND below deck fuel tanks as well."
OK. We just got new tanks in, and they seem to be about twice as thick as the old ones, and therefore weigh twice as much. I mean come on... how much gas can actually evaporate thru a polyethelene gas tank?? I'd like to see the data from their study.
So, if you need to get a new fuel tank in the near future do it now while there are still some of the older (or should I say current?) ones available. I checked into the actual COST of the new tanks... and they do indeed cost about twice as much to manufacture as the old ones. So... no one is trying to dupe you into paying more for that 6 gallon fuel tank... it really does cost twice as much as the old one.
being in the plastics business, I sell HDPE to the fuel tank mfg's. Automotive tanks have had to meet these regulations for several years now. In fact, an HDPE tank in order to meet the regulations is constructed of 6 layers of various materials, so costs in materials and to manufacture are significantly higher. this year SORE (small offroad recreational equipment) atv's, generators, snowmobiles, weed whips,Jerry cans ...anything with a plastic fuel tank is subject to permeation regulations. Marine as well - which is more difficult to meet with rotomolded tanks - but thats a whole nother story.
You can thank the EPA, CARB(california air resource board), and the east coast "blue" states for pioneering this regulation.
Jack
More government regulation and intrusion into our lives.
More burden on business
More costs to consumers
Hey its a win win situation for everyone. ::)
But now I can buy a gas can, fill it with gas, and keep it in the garage for 30-40 years. ::)
Bite your tongue!
Lest they come up with a law that says you may not store gas for more than 30 days.