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

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

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

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

Identifying where propane use might grow can do much to guide your business expansion strategy. Here are a variety of places to look for high-growth opportunities in the propane sector. If you are looking to grow your business and are open to exploring new sectors, consider if any of the following arenas might be a… Continue reading Propane’s Next Frontier: High-Growth Opportunities Unveiled

Dealing with taxation in the propane industry can be somewhat tricky, because every state has its own set of rules. Here’s how to stay on top of your taxes and successfully manage these state-to-state differences in order to keep your business operations running smoothly. Know the Basics Each state has its own tax structure for… Continue reading Mastering Taxes: Navigate State Rules Like a Pro

As propane businesses navigate an increasingly complex market, the need for more efficient operations has never been greater. From managing fluctuating demand to optimizing delivery schedules, companies are constantly searching for ways to improve their bottom line. This is where predictive analytics comes into play – a powerful tool that can transform how propane businesses… Continue reading Maximizing Efficiency with Predictive Analytics

Have you ever thought about expanding the products and/or services that your business offers? If you run a company that deals with propane, adding equipment installation to your service offerings might be a smart move. Let’s dive into why this could be beneficial for your business and how you can successfully make it work. Why… Continue reading Boost Business Growth with Propane Equipment Installation

In the propane industry, safety is paramount. One critical aspect of maintaining safety standards is understanding and using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each substance involved, including propane itself. Safety Data Sheets are documents designed to communicate essential information about the physical and chemical properties of various substances, helping users understand potential hazards and how… Continue reading Understanding the Importance of Safety Data Sheets in the Propane Industry

The propane industry constantly evolves, allowing businesses to find new markets and continue to grow. By understanding trends and shifts in consumer demands, there are numerous ways to identify and tap into new propane markets. In this guide, we’ll explore key strategies to help you uncover these opportunities and how to take advantage of them.… Continue reading Discovering New Opportunities in the Propane Market

Running a propane business means dealing with numerous regulations at every level in order to ensure both safety and compliance. Here are a number of practical, proactive steps you can take to protect your business from costly regulatory fines. Stay Informed Keeping up with changes in local, state, and federal regulations is crucial. This involves… Continue reading Shield Your Propane Business from Regulatory Fines

Emerging technologies are shaping the future of many industries, and the propane sector is no exception. In this guide, we detail the many ways these modern innovations could impact the way propane is used, distributed, and perceived. Which of these systems would you like to incorporate into your business operations this year? Smart Propane Management… Continue reading Propane’s Tech Revolution: How Innovations Are Shaping the Future

Propane microgrids represent a unique opportunity for business owners looking for reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Read on to discover the many ways these remarkable systems can make a difference for you. What is a Propane Microgrid? A microgrid is like a mini power station for your business or community. It can operate independently… Continue reading Power Your Future: How Propane Microgrids Transform Businesses

Propane customers come from all walks of life, and each will come with different needs. Tailoring your services to match these various customer types can go a long way in boosting your business. Here’s how you can successfully meet the differing needs of every segment of your customer base and become a leader in the… Continue reading Propane for Everyone: Tailor Your Services to Meet Diverse Needs

Blockchain technology, known for securing cryptocurrency transactions, has potential applications in the propane industry. Here’s how it could make your business operations safer and more transparent. What is Blockchain? At its core, blockchain is like a digital ledger where transactions are recorded in a way that makes them almost impossible to change or delete. Each… Continue reading Revolutionize Your Propane Biz with Blockchain Security

Building partnerships with realtors is a great way to grow your propane business. Realtors are often the first point of contact for homebuyers, and their recommendations can shape how people view propane as a home energy option. By working together, you can highlight the benefits of propane-ready homes and expand your customer base. Build Strong… Continue reading Fueling Home Sales: Realtors and the Propane Connection

New Milford, Conn. – January 14, 2025 – Cetane Associates (“Cetane”) is pleased to announce that Star Group, L.P. (“Star Group”), based in Stamford, Conn., has acquired Allen’s Oil & Propane, Inc. (“Allen’s Oil & Propane”), located in Vincentown, N.J. The transaction closed on January 8, 2025. Allen’s Oil & Propane, Inc. has evolved over… Continue reading Cetane Announces the Sale of Allen’s Oil & Propane

Ensuring the safety and reliability of propane systems begins with proper pressure testing. Recent updates to industry standards emphasize the importance of these tests in preventing leaks and safeguarding property. For propane businesses, adapting to these changes is essential for compliance and customer satisfaction. Why Pressure Testing Is Critical Pressure testing is the cornerstone of… Continue reading Pressure Testing Propane Systems: Adapting to New Safety Standards

Fuel efficiency standards are shaping how fleets operate across industries, including propane businesses. These rules are designed to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting the use of cleaner technology. For propane fleet operators, these standards carry significant implications, from compliance requirements to operational benefits. Fuel efficiency standards are regulations set by governments… Continue reading Stay Ahead: Navigating Fuel Efficiency Standards for Fleets