News Archives - Propane Insider

October Marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative designed to highlight the importance of protecting digital data and systems against cyber threats. For businesses in the propane industry, it’s a timely reminder to evaluate their cybersecurity measures and ensure that sensitive information remains secure. Why Cybersecurity Matters for Businesses The propane industry, like many… Continue reading October Marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Fall 2024 State Director Report: Key Insights for the Propane Industry

As the propane industry navigates the challenges and opportunities of the current year, the latest Fall 2024 State Director Report from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) offers valuable insights. This report highlights trends, regulatory updates, and new initiatives that are impacting propane businesses across the United States. Industry Trends and Developments One of the… Continue reading Fall 2024 State Director Report: Key Insights for the Propane Industry

Cetane Announces the Sale of Hart and Iliff

NEW MILFORD, Conn. – October 25, 2024 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that NRG Heat & Power LLC (“NRG”), located in Rye Brook, N.Y., has acquired Hart & Iliff Fuel and Energy Systems (Hart & Iliff) located in Newton, N.J. The transaction closed on October 1, 2024. Hart & Iliff was established… Continue reading Cetane Announces the Sale of Hart and Iliff

New Revenue Ideas for Your Business

Diversifying your revenue streams is a great way to ensure long-term growth and stability for your propane business. While propane sales might be your primary source of income, there are a handful of additional services and products you can offer to boost profits. Here, we explore a few alternative revenue streams that can complement your… Continue reading New Revenue Ideas for Your Business

Local Zoning Laws for Propane Storage Simplified

Are you curious about how local zoning laws affect your propane business? Knowing these regulations is essential for both setting up new storage sites and managing existing ones. This article demystifies zoning laws related to propane storage, providing you with the insights you need to navigate these essential rules effectively. Introduction to Zoning Laws Zoning… Continue reading Local Zoning Laws for Propane Storage Simplified

Cetane Announces the Sale of Barnes Petroleum

NEW MILFORD, Conn. – October 22, 2024 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that Martin Oil Company (“Martin Oil”) located in Bellwood, Pa. has acquired Barnes Petroleum Products, Inc. (“Barnes Petroleum”), of Claysburg, Pa. The transaction closed on September 30, 2024. Barnes Petroleum Products was founded by Robert Barnes in Blue Knob, Pa.,… Continue reading Cetane Announces the Sale of Barnes Petroleum

Solving Key Challenges in the Propane Business with Your Custom App

Running a propane business can be a rewarding venture, but as in any industry, it comes with its own set of challenges. From managing customer demands to ensuring timely deliveries and maintaining safety protocols, propane business owners must navigate a variety of hurdles to run their operations smoothly. Understanding these issues and implementing effective solutions… Continue reading Solving Key Challenges in the Propane Business with Your Custom App

Propane Business Owners: What You Should Know About Global Markets

As a propane business owner, expanding your perspective beyond local and national markets can open up new opportunities. International markets are rapidly evolving, and understanding these shifts can help you stay competitive and grow your business. The Impact of Global Supply and Demand International supply and demand play a critical role in determining propane prices.… Continue reading Propane Business Owners: What You Should Know About Global Markets

New Propane Laws That May Affect Your Business

Keeping up with changes in propane legislation is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding potential disruptions to your business. New laws and regulations can significantly impact your propane operation, affecting everything from safety standards to environmental practices. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key areas of propane legislation changes that could affect how… Continue reading New Propane Laws That May Affect Your Business

The Pros and Cons of Propane Dispensing for Business Owners

As the energy arena continues to evolve, many businesses are exploring the benefits of propane dispensing systems. These systems offer a convenient way to meet the energy needs of various industries, from agriculture to transportation. However, like any business decision, propane dispensing comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Pros of Propane Dispensing… Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Propane Dispensing for Business Owners

How CRM Software Helps Manage Propane Customer Relationships

Managing propane customer relationships can be complex, especially when you have multiple accounts, deliveries, and service requests to handle. Using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software greatly simplifies this process, helping propane businesses stay both organized and responsive. Let’s look at how CRM software can benefit your propane company and improve your customer relationships. Organizing Customer… Continue reading How CRM Software Helps Manage Propane Customer Relationships

Recognizing Excellence in the Propane Industry: Nominate an NPGA Member for an Award

The propane industry thrives on the dedication and hard work of its professionals. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) provides an excellent opportunity to recognize those who make significant contributions to the field. Nominations for NPGA awards are now open, allowing members to honor their peers who excel in various areas. The deadline for award… Continue reading Recognizing Excellence in the Propane Industry: Nominate an NPGA Member for an Award

NPGA Supporting Communities in Hurricane Relief Efforts

The impact of recent hurricanes in the southeast has been devastating, leaving many communities in urgent need of assistance. In response, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) has taken a significant step to support these affected areas through its hurricane relief initiative. The NPGA is mobilizing resources and rallying members of the propane industry to… Continue reading NPGA Supporting Communities in Hurricane Relief Efforts

Prevent Downtime with Smart Equipment Maintenance

Keeping your propane operation running smoothly is essential for maintaining productivity and customer satisfaction. One of the most effective ways to avoid costly disruptions is by focusing on proactive equipment maintenance. Regularly checking and maintaining your equipment will ensure that your business stays on track as well as reduce unexpected downtime. Here are some key… Continue reading Prevent Downtime with Smart Equipment Maintenance

Tips for Managing Multiple Propane Locations Effectively

Running a propane business with multiple locations brings both great challenges and great opportunities. With the right approach, you can do much to ensure smooth operations, maintain high customer satisfaction, and boost profitability. This guide details some key strategies to ensure your multi-location propane business runs efficiently and seamlessly. Centralize Your Communication Effective communication is… Continue reading Tips for Managing Multiple Propane Locations Effectively

Propane Equipment Shortages: What You Need to Know

As a propane business owner, you may have noticed the growing challenge of getting the equipment you need on time. Propane equipment shortages and delays have become a serious issue, impacting businesses across the U.S. Here’s what’s behind these shortages and how you can manage the situation. Understanding the Causes The propane industry is not… Continue reading Propane Equipment Shortages: What You Need to Know

Supply Contracts to Help Stabilize Propane Prices

Unpredictable price fluctuations can be a major challenge for propane business owners. Market conditions, weather patterns, and supply chain disruptions can cause propane prices to swing unpredictably, making it harder to plan. One effective way to reduce this uncertainty is by using supply contracts to stabilize your costs and maintain consistent pricing for your customers.… Continue reading Supply Contracts to Help Stabilize Propane Prices

Avoiding Legal Risks in Propane Contracts

Propane business contracts are essential for keeping operations smooth and protecting your company’s interests. However, if you aren’t careful, you can run into legal issues that may cost you time and money or even lead to lawsuits. Here are some standard legal pitfalls to avoid when dealing with propane business contracts. Be Clear with Terms… Continue reading Avoiding Legal Risks in Propane Contracts

Keeping Your Business Safe During Fuel Shortages

Fuel shortages can greatly disrupt the propane industry, causing added stress for businesses that rely on consistent supply. Whether it’s due to natural disasters, supply chain issues, or market fluctuations, fuel shortages can leave retailers scrambling to meet customer demand. However, there are a number of proactive steps propane businesses can take to manage the… Continue reading Keeping Your Business Safe During Fuel Shortages

How Regional Propane Expos Can Boost Your Business

Attending regional propane expos may seem like just another industry event, but these gatherings offer much more than that. To a propane business owner, these expos provide a unique opportunity to grow, stay informed, and connect with industry peers. Let’s explore why making time for these events can have a lasting impact on your business.… Continue reading How Regional Propane Expos Can Boost Your Business

Navigating Seasonal Changes in the Propane Industry

The propane industry is significantly influenced by annual seasonal changes, which can greatly affect demand, pricing, and operational strategies. Understanding these fluctuations is essential for propane business owners to effectively manage their resources and optimize service delivery. Here’s a closer look at the seasonal changes that impact propane businesses and how to navigate them. Fall… Continue reading Navigating Seasonal Changes in the Propane Industry

Keeping Your Propane Delivery Trucks Running Smoothly

A reliable fleet is the backbone of any propane business. Propane delivery trucks are essential for transporting fuel to customers, and their maintenance is key to ensuring timely and safe deliveries. For business owners, keeping your trucks well-maintained can prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce costs, and boost customer satisfaction. This guide details important maintenance considerations for… Continue reading Keeping Your Propane Delivery Trucks Running Smoothly

Navigating the Road Ahead: Tackling Challenges in Fleet Management

Managing a fleet business comes with its share of challenges, from operational efficiency and safety to cost control and regulatory compliance. In today’s fast-paced and evolving marketplace, fleet managers must tackle these issues while adapting to emerging technologies and customer expectations. Below, we explore some of the most common challenges in fleet management and offer… Continue reading Navigating the Road Ahead: Tackling Challenges in Fleet Management

Cetane Announces the Sale of Weaver Energy, Inc.

NEW MILFORD, Conn. – September 27, 2024 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that Guttman Energy, Inc. (“GEI”), located in Belle Vernon, Pa., and Source One Transportation, located in Belle Vernon, Pa., have acquired Weaver Energy, Inc., (“Weaver Energy”), located in Lititz, Pa. The transaction closed on September 16, 2024. Weaver Energy originated… Continue reading Cetane Announces the Sale of Weaver Energy, Inc.

How Inflation Affects Your Business Finances

Inflation is a key factor that greatly impacts many industries, including the propane sector. As a propane business owner, it’s important to understand how rising costs influence your operations and profitability. From fuel prices to supply chain expenses, inflation can lead to unwanted shifts in your bottom line. Let’s take a closer look at how… Continue reading How Inflation Affects Your Business Finances

Setting Up Automated Billing for Propane Customers

Automated billing systems can help propane businesses streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction. By reducing manual work and ensuring timely payments, these systems offer convenience to both companies and customers. Implementing an automated billing system can seem complex, but with the right approach, it can significantly benefit your propane business. Choosing the Right Billing Software… Continue reading Setting Up Automated Billing for Propane Customers

Pricing Propane Services in Uncertain Times

Setting the right price for propane services during uncertain times is crucial to maintaining profitability while keeping customers satisfied. With fluctuating costs and unpredictable market conditions, it can take time to find the right balance. This guide will help you set fair and competitive pricing for your propane services, especially during uncertain times. Assess Your… Continue reading Pricing Propane Services in Uncertain Times

Propane’s Power in America’s Farms

Propane plays a crucial role in powering America’s farms, providing a reliable and efficient energy source that keeps these rural operations running smoothly. From fueling equipment to heating buildings, propane is an essential part of modern agriculture. Read on to discover the various important ways propane can support and serve the farming industry. Fueling Farm… Continue reading Propane’s Power in America’s Farms

Climate Change Policies and Their Effect on Propane Use

Climate change policies are shaping how we use energy, and propane is no exception. These policies, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging clean energy, have significant effects on propane usage. Here’s how they impact the propane industry – both its retailers and its customers. Impact on Propane Demand Climate change policies often include… Continue reading Climate Change Policies and Their Effect on Propane Use

Utility Programs: A Solution to Credit Card Fees for Propane Businesses

Credit card fees can be a significant burden for businesses, especially those in the propane industry, where operating margins can be tight. For propane retailers, avoiding these fees will go a long way in preserving profitability in an industry where every cent counts. One effective way to mitigate these fees is through a utility program… Continue reading Utility Programs: A Solution to Credit Card Fees for Propane Businesses