Those in the Army and other corps know that using standards is a good choice, and used extensively for good reasons. If you already have a diesel engine in your tractor and rely on this for most of your homestead chores, a wise choice is to use diesel as the main fuel, for instance.

It can be expensive, but with reasonable financial management (which you will need anyway in an economic storm), you could create an emergency fund for "engine emergencies" with the fuel savings.

Diesel mechanics can be relatively simple, but it is not as cheap as gasoline engines. However, reliability is a plus that could be priceless in the long run. Like in situations where you have to cross a flooded road with 1600 pounds of products or gear on your pickup, water covering the lower half of your engine, and you make it to the other side without hesitation. This is doable with planning and wise investment.

Let´s see another example: buying 100 gallons when the price is low, and designating a fixed amount per week or month to an account only for fuel is something I would do if my business depended on that. Trying to find a local biodiesel supplier is another means to improve self-reliance, also, if you are a farmer. But it is an issue to discuss in another article.

Summarizing, there is a good reason why practically all industries use standards.

The seamless operation of machinery, vehicles, and farm equipment is reliant on the availability of fuels, lubricants, and parts. Establishing standards and buying in bulk can significantly reduce operating costs, optimize your maintenance processes, and extend the lifespan of the equipment. In the past I witnessed cooperatives working with good savings.