Every propane marketer budgets for fleet maintenance, but not every company realizes how expensive deferred maintenance can become. A delayed service appointment or overlooked repair may seem like a way to save money today, yet the long-term costs often show up elsewhere – in higher fuel consumption, unexpected breakdowns, driver frustration, and lost revenue. For… Continue reading The Hidden Cost of Skipping Bobtail Maintenance

The latest crop progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers more than an update on this year’s growing season. For propane retailers serving agricultural customers, it provides an early indication of when demand for grain drying propane could begin to increase. As corn and soybean crops continue developing ahead of schedule in parts… Continue reading Early Crop Progress Could Mean an Earlier Start to Propane Drying Season

The propane industry continues to see steady consolidation as distributors look to expand their geographic reach, strengthen supply networks, and improve operational efficiency. The latest example comes from the Upper Midwest, where Central Farm Service (CFS) has announced the acquisition of Minnesota-based O’Connell Oil Company, a move that reflects the growing importance of scale in… Continue reading Growing Through Consolidation: What Central Farm Service’s Latest Acquisition Means for Propane Marketers

Inflation Surge Forces Propane Marketers to Reevaluate Pricing and Operations Inflation remains a growing concern for propane businesses as new economic data points to continued pressure across the entire energy sector. Recently released consumer price index figures showed energy costs climbing sharply compared to a year ago, marking one of the most significant increases seen… Continue reading Rising Energy Costs Put New Pressure on Propane Margins

Federal support for the propane industry received a boost after three members of Congress joined the Congressional Propane Caucus following a recent briefing hosted by the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA). The expanded caucus strengthens the industry’s voice in Washington as lawmakers continue debating energy policy, infrastructure investment, environmental regulations, and rural energy access. For… Continue reading Congressional Propane Caucus Adds New Members Following NPGA Capitol Hill Briefing

The propane industry saw several noteworthy developments this week, from new market research tools and workforce recognition to safety training initiatives and leadership appointments. Together, these updates reflect the industry’s continued focus on reliable fuel delivery, operational safety, and long-term growth. Rail Continues to Power America’s Propane Supply As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary… Continue reading This Week in Propane: Rail, Market Data, Safety, and Industry Leadership Take Center Stage

For many small and mid-sized propane companies, winter still determines whether the year is considered a success. A cold season boosts deliveries, while a mild one can leave trucks parked and revenue falling short of expectations. As weather patterns become less predictable and competition continues to grow, relying almost entirely on residential heating has become… Continue reading Beyond Home Heating: Finding New Propane Markets That Keep Gallons Flowing Year-Round

Propane price swings are an unavoidable part of the business, but they don’t have to dictate how your company serves customers. For propane marketers, one of the most effective ways to manage market uncertainty is through early supply planning, strategic storage, and strong supplier relationships. Companies that prepare well in this regard before the winter… Continue reading Smart Storage, Stronger Margins: How Proactive Supply Planning Can Reduce Price Volatility

Older propane tanks are a common sight across the industry, and many continue to provide safe, reliable service decades after their installation. As replacement costs continue to rise, service technicians are increasingly faced with an important question: Can this tank be refurbished, or has it reached the end of its service life? The answer to… Continue reading When Should an ASME Propane Tank Be Refurbished Instead of Replaced?

Growing a propane customer base has traditionally come with a familiar concern: more tanks mean more opportunities for run-outs, emergency deliveries, and dispatching headaches. For years, many retailers viewed expansion as a balancing act between gaining new accounts and maintaining dependable service. Today’s dispatching technology is changing that equation. A Proactive Approach Modern propane operations… Continue reading More Tanks, Fewer Run-Outs: How Tech Busts a Dispatching Myth

Regional market conditions continue to create significant cost differences for propane retailers across the country National propane pricing often dominates industry headlines, but for many marketers and distributors, local market conditions have a much greater impact on profitability than any national average ever could. Recent residential propane pricing data illustrates the challenge. While national averages… Continue reading National Propane Price Averages Tell Only Part of the Story

One‑Tank and Myriota launch Pulse platform designed for remote locations where cellular coverage falls short. Propane marketers serving remote customers may soon have a new option for tank monitoring. One‑Tank, operating under LPG Tank Solutions, has partnered with satellite‑IoT provider Myriota to launch Pulse, a satellite-connected monitoring system that can transmit tank data from locations… Continue reading Satellite Tank Monitoring Expands Into Rural Propane Markets

Propane regulators are among the most important safety components in any propane system, yet they’re often overlooked because they typically operate without drawing attention to themselves. Unlike tanks or appliances, regulators usually work quietly in the background for years. That reliability has led to a common misconception that once a regulator is installed, it never… Continue reading Propane Regulators Don’t Last Forever: Why Routine Inspections Matter

Transporting propane safely requires more than experienced drivers and reliable equipment. It also requires a workforce that understands hazardous materials regulations, follows established procedures, and maintains up-to-date training records. Even a single mistake during transportation can have serious consequences for employees, customers, and the public. For propane delivery companies, compliance isn’t simply about avoiding penalties;… Continue reading Audit-Ready Drivers Start With Strong Hazmat Training

Unexpectedly high propane bills are one of the fastest ways to test a customer’s loyalty. While many business owners assume that calls related to these are simply about price, they often reveal something much more important: whether customers trust their propane provider. For small and mid-sized propane marketers, every conversation about a higher-than-expected bill is… Continue reading When a High Propane Bill Becomes Your Best Customer Retention Opportunity

When a homeowner in your county types “propane delivery near me” into ChatGPT or asks Google’s AI-generated search engine which propane company to call, does your business show up? That’s becoming an increasingly important question. AI-powered search is changing how people discover and select local businesses. The answer isn’t the same for every propane company.… Continue reading Where Will AI Send Your Next Customer?

Changes in the nation’s fuel production landscape are giving propane marketers another reason to evaluate supply strategies well before winter demand arrives. Recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates a decline in U.S. refining capacity, a development that could contribute to tighter fuel markets if unexpected disruptions occur later in the year.… Continue reading Fuel Supply Shifts Put Winter Propane Planning in Focus

Reliable service, strong community relationships, and a professional customer experience continue to separate successful propane marketers from the competition. Every propane retailer faces the same question: how do you grow when customers are watching every dollar and competitors seem willing to cut prices to win new accounts? While price remains an important consideration, it is… Continue reading Winning New Propane Customers Without Competing on Price Alone

Successful propane marketers are treating workforce development as a long-term business strategy rather than an emergency hiring effort. Finding qualified CDL drivers with hazardous materials endorsements has become one of the propane industry’s most persistent challenges. As experienced drivers retire and competition for commercial drivers intensifies, many fuel marketers are discovering that waiting until a… Continue reading Building a Stronger Propane Driver Pipeline Starts Before You Need One

Acquiring another propane company often looks like a very straightforward process on paper. New customers, additional gallons, expanded territory, and greater market presence can all make an acquisition seem attractive. What frequently receives less attention is the condition of the acquired company’s safety documentation. For many propane marketers, the most difficult part of an acquisition… Continue reading When Safety Records Become the Real Acquisition Challenge