The cheapest best source will always depend on your particular location. I
am able to get high grade K-1 kerosene from my local fuel supplier for
about $1.85 per gal. I bring my own container and it is pumped from a gas
pump. You could find a similar dealer in your own area, these guys
typically provide lubricants for truck fleets and jobsite fueling
services.

DO NOT use jet fuel. It may be high grade kerosene, but it also has dye
and other attitives. It smokes up a lamp worse than diesel fuel or
stoddard solvent.

K-1 is the designator for the highest grade of kerosene. You can often buy
kerosene designated as K-1 in the solvents section of the hardware store.
My experience with this hardware store kerosene is that it is of lesser
quality than the kerosene that I get from the pump. Charcoal lighter fluid
and paint thinner are suitable substitutes for lamp oil, I have used them
many times in a pinch.

Everytime you buy lamp oil, test the quality of the batch. Use an old
cheapie lantern and look for smoke and sooting. That is another reason I
like to buy 10 gallons at a time from the pump. One test and I know it is
all the same. Also note that different lamps are more particular. I burn
Aladdin mantel lamps and any kerosene contamination will soot up the
mantel and stink like hell when the lamp is extinguished. Your own
particular needs will vary depending on equipment.

If you are paying more thatn $2.20/ gal., you are paying tooo much . Shop
around a little.

David
S/V Nausicaa