they do make reference to trading fuel, so i would assume they found a way to refine it or certain additive to store it
another detail i did notice in the beginning was when he was in his coma or whatever, if i remember correctly he woke up multiple times and drank water then passed back out. which was nice since you see so many times in movies/shows where they couldn't possibly be in a coma for weeks without water.
but as far as the lack of details, its what kept the show able to move forward for the 25+ (technically 50) years so quickly.