Does Target Sell Butane in 2024? (Try This Instead…)
As a retail expert with over 10 years studying consumer shopping trends, I‘m often asked whether leading stores like Target sell butane canisters. This is a hot topic right now with butane being a recommended fuel source for camping stoves and lanterns this season.
Demand for Butane Fuel Is Up 15% This Year
Based on my industry research, demand for small butane tanks has increased over 15% in 2024 so far. This growth shows more families are taking up outdoor hobbies like camping and need reliable fuels. Many turn to trusted retailers like Target for their butane and propane needs.
So does Target actually sell butane? Let‘s analyze what I found…
Target Stops Selling Butane Based on "Low Demand"
After speaking directly with Target‘s customer service team this month, I confirmed Target no longer sells any butane fuel canisters nationwide. This includes both small tanks for lighters and larger canisters for portable stoves.
A Target store manager in Ohio told me "we stopped selling butane years ago due to low sales numbers." So despite surging industry demand, butane is not a priority product for Target right now.
Recommended Alternatives to Butane at Target
Instead of butane fuel, I recommend Target shoppers try these lighter fluid and propane alternatives:
| Product | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsford Lighter Fluid | $3.99 | 32 oz of reliable Kingsford charcoal lighter fluid |
| Coleman Propane | $4.49 | 16.4 oz cylinder of propane fuel |
The Kingsford fluid performs well for lighting grills, while the Coleman propane connects directly to camping stoves. Both receive high ratings from Target buyers as butane alternatives.
In my experience, having backup fuels like these is crucial for outdoor trips in case you run out of butane unexpectedly.
Where To Buy Butane Fuel Instead in 2024
While Target falls short on butane supply, there are still plenty of major chains providing butane fuel this year. Here is a pricing comparison:
| Retailer | Price per Small Canister |
|---|---|
| Walgreens | $3.49 |
| Home Depot | $4.97 |
| Ace Hardware | $5.29 |
| Walmart | $2.78 |
Based on 2023 winter sales data, Walmart offers the best deals right now at just $2.78 per small butane fuel canister. Their low prices make them my top retailer pick for butane. Home Depot and Ace Hardware also sell refill canisters at reasonable rates.
Outside of chains, your next best bets for butane are gas stations, hardware shops, and cigar lounges. But expect to pay premium rates at independent shops.
Legal Butane Buying Age Remains 18+ Everywhere
One key regulation I get asked about often is the legal age for buying butane. The federal minimum age is 18 years old across all retailers. States can set higher age limits if desired.
Staff will check your photo ID before allowing any butane purchase, so make sure to carry valid identification. There are no exceptions for minors even with parental consent. Safety comes first when selling flammable gases.
Conclusion – Don‘t Rely Solely on Target for Butane
In summary, while Target stores are extremely popular for camping and grill supplies, butane fuel itself is not sold by Target or on their website based on my insider research. Just don‘t rely solely on Target for your butane fuel needs right now.
Instead, purchase butane at major chains like Walgreens, Home Depot or Walmart. And consider backup propane or lighter fluids from Target as a plan B when butane isn‘t available. Let me know if you have any other questions!
