Offering support outside regular business hours can be a significant decision for any business. Here’s how to evaluate if it’s for you and why it could very well be worth the investment: Boosting Customer Satisfaction By being available when others aren’t, you can greatly enhance customer satisfaction. People facing emergencies or urgent issues outside normal… Continue reading Going Beyond Business Hours Can Set You Apart

Negotiating better deals with propane suppliers can go a long way in saving you money and improving your company’s operations. Here’s how to approach this key business practice in a skillful and savvy way. Know Your Market Start by understanding the propane market. Be diligent in doing your homework. Learn about current prices, how they… Continue reading Unlocking Better Deals for Bigger Savings

With the United States facing a propane shortage, small businesses and propane companies must take proactive steps to consistently maintain operations and meet customer needs. While supply constraints present challenges, strategic planning and efficiency measures can help businesses navigate this period successfully. Here’s a practical guide detailing how that can be implemented. Strengthening Supply Chain… Continue reading Staying Ahead: How Fuel Retailers Can Navigate the Current Propane Shortage

Propane prices have been higher this winter than last year, mainly due to colder temperatures in January and increased propane exports. Even though propane inventories were substantial at the start of the heating season, the combination of freezing weather and demand from overseas markets has driven prices up. Wholesale Propane Prices Are Rising Wholesale propane… Continue reading Why Propane Prices Are Higher This Winter

HOUSTON, Texas. – February 4, 2025 – Cetane Associates is pleased to announce that Charlotte Mahar has joined Cetane Associates as the Manager of Administration, effective January 14, 2025. Charlotte provides administrative and marketing support to the firm.  Prior to joining Cetane, Charlotte served as a paralegal at Martinez Firm, PLLC, a prestigious law firm… Continue reading Charlotte Mahar Joins Cetane Associates

Collaborative projects in the propane sector can go a long way in leading to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Here’s how working together with others in the propane industry can serve to shape the future of this vital fuel. Research and Development Collaborative efforts in research and development allow companies to innovate. They can work on… Continue reading Flame of Collaboration: Elevating Teamwork

Efficient propane tank rotation is key to minimizing dead stock and ensuring a smooth supply chain. Here, we present a straightforward guide on how to successfully manage your tanks. Mastering this propane business fundamental will go a long way in keeping your operations running smoothly and efficiently. What is Dead Stock? Dead stock in the… Continue reading Turn Dead Stock into Dynamic Success: Mastering Tank Rotation

Many business owners focus solely on managing their operations and give little thought to really engaging with their local community. This myopic approach might seem practical, but it can actually end up hurting a company in the long run. Engaging with your community can make a significant difference for your propane business in multiple ways.… Continue reading Fueling Community Success: How Propane Businesses Thrive Locally

Emerging economies around the world represent vast potential for the propane industry. Once fuel retailers have obtained financial stability and sustained success in their local market, they may want to consider setting their sights abroad. Here’s a guide detailing how propane business owners can successfully enter these foreign markets and what it means for the… Continue reading Propane’s Path to Global Growth: Tapping Emerging Economies

Managing fuel inventory efficiently is one of the most critical aspects of running a successful propane business. Striking the right balance between supply and demand ensures that you can meet customer needs without incurring unnecessary costs. As market conditions fluctuate, propane retailers and wholesalers must adopt practical strategies to streamline their operations and stay ahead.… Continue reading How to Perfect Your Propane Inventory Management

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a crucial time to raise awareness and take action against a global crisis, was celebrated in January. Professionals in industries like propane, heating oil, pest control, lawn care, landscaping, HVAC, and plumbing now have a unique opportunity to contribute to this important cause. Cetane Associates, in partnership with the Safe… Continue reading Cetane Partners with the Safe House Project to Launch New Training Videos

The United States is currently experiencing a critical propane shortage, with regions such as North Carolina being significantly impacted. Propane suppliers are reporting depleted stocks and delayed deliveries, leaving many businesses and households struggling to secure fuel. This shortage has created serious concerns, particularly as winter temperatures remain low. Factors Contributing to the Shortage While… Continue reading Propane Supply Struggles: Rising Demand and Shortages

Hosting an educational event about propane in your community can do much to boost customer knowledge, safety, and trust in your services. It’s a win-win for both your propane company and your local area. Here’s how to effectively plan and execute such an event. Setting the Goal Start by deciding what information you want your… Continue reading Transform Your Business with a Customer Learning Day

A reliable and qualified team of drivers is the backbone of any propane business. From ensuring that customer deliveries are on time to prioritizing safety on the road, the skills and preparedness of your drivers directly impact operations. In an industry where safety and compliance are critical, maintaining high driver qualification standards isn’t just a… Continue reading Driving Success: Building a Safe and Skilled Propane Fleet

Entering the propane market can be tough, but learning from both the successes and failures of others can guide your strategy. Here’s how case studies of market entries can enlighten your path. Failed Market Entries Many businesses have tried to enter the propane market and faced significant challenges. Often, these failures stem from underestimating local… Continue reading Lessons from the Past: Fuel Your Business Growth

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued several executive orders set to reshape domestic energy policy, with significant implications for the propane industry. These directives focus on boosting traditional energy sources, ensuring energy choice, and reversing several initiatives from the previous administration. Key Executive Orders Affecting Propane: Streamlining Domestic Energy Production and Infrastructure This… Continue reading President Trump’s Energy Executive Orders: Implications for the Propane Industry

On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the withdrawal of its Proposed Rule on Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Boilers. This decision was influenced by substantial public feedback, the recent change in administration, and the extensive resources required to review the numerous comments received. Consequently, the DOE has opted not to… Continue reading DOE Withdraws Proposed Boiler Rule: A Win for Propane Advocacy

Propane is increasingly becoming a popular alternative to traditional heating oil. Here, we detail the numerous ways that propane is affecting the decline of heating oil use and what this shift means for both consumers and the energy industry. Efficiency and Cost Propane offers a higher heating efficiency than heating oil, allowing homes to heat… Continue reading Why Propane Is Outpacing Heating Oil

Managing overhead costs is crucial for the profitability of your propane business. However, not every business owner finds it easy to oversee this vital component of their company’s finances. Here’s a guide detailing how to calculate these expenses along with a variety of effective strategies for reducing them. What is Overhead? Overhead includes all the… Continue reading Trim the Fat: Smart Ways to Cut Overhead

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant stream of emails, notifications, and online tasks. While digital tools have revolutionized the propane industry, enabling efficient communication and streamlined operations, they can also hinder the meaningful connections that are essential for long-term success. Propane businesses, like all industries, must strike… Continue reading Strengthening Connections and Breaking Free from Digital Noise